Former World No.1 Jelena Jankovic shares one main reason behind shunning spotlight in retirement

Several tennis players still seek the limelight despite retiring from the sport they love, but this is not the case with Jelena Jankovic, the former WTA World No.1 who called it a career over six years ago.

The 39-year old played the last tournament of her career at the 2017 US Open, where she lost to Czech star Petra Kvitova in the first round. The 39-year old enjoyed a successful career that saw her finish runner-up at Flushing Meadows in 2008, winning a total of 15 WTA singles titles and two doubles titles. After an extended time away from the sport following her last match in 2017, the Serbian officially announced her retirement in 2022.

Before confirming her retirement, Jankovic gave birth to her first child. Afterwards, the Serbian has avoided the limelight, sporadically posting updates on social media. Her last Instagram post was published in July 2020, with Jankovic herself avoiding interviews and media sessions.

"Because I want to have my privacy," said Jankovic when asked why she shunned the spotlight. I think that when something important happens, it is right for the media to know about it. It was different when I was an active player. Then I realized that people were rooting for me and shaking their fists, so I felt a responsibility to tell them something more. 
"Now I like peace and don't want to be the center of attention. Where I eat, what I drink, and where I travel is my private stuff. Very nice. It's been three years since I became a mother. I live a peaceful family life. I moved away from the media world. After many years, you are the first to have my interview," she added when speaking to Dnevnik.si.