Fighting fit Jelena Jankovic still eyes grand slam, but first it's the Hong Kong Open

Guangzhou win two weeks ago sees former world No 1 complete 600 tour victories and she is aiming for more

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Former World No 1 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia practises ahead of the start of her campaign at the Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park. Photos: Nora Tam

Published: 12:30am, 10 Oct 2015Updated: 10:27am, 30 Jun 2016

A hectic WTA schedule is taking its toll on the leading players, says Serbian ace Jelena Jankovic.

The former world No 1, who has endured a catalogue of injury problems, says the length of the season, coupled with the extra demands of top-class tennis, is having an adverse affect on the health of players.

"It's very demanding and very tough to be playing from January to November," said the Serb ahead of today's draw for the opening round of the US$250,000 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park.

"We have a lot of matches and a lot of travelling every week going from country to country, continent to continent. It's not an easy lifestyle and, especially towards the end of the season, players are exhausted and it takes a toll on our bodies. There's a few more injuries and players are having a hard time coping."

Jankovic, who is enjoying a late-season surge in form including an impressive win at the Guangzhou Open two weeks ago, was named as one of several eleventh-hour replacements - alongside Sam Stosur, Francesca Schiavone and Angelique Kerber - late last week after organisers were forced to announce the withdrawal of several marquee names.

Samantha Stosur of Australia will be among the stars at the Hong Kong Tennis Open Photo: AFP

Canadian starlet Eugenie Bouchard, defending Hong Kong Open champion Sabine Lisicki and 17-time WTA winner Victoria Azarenka were forced to withdraw in the run-up to the event.