Serena Williams says she’s one of the “most respectful players” on the WTA Tour after a heated exchange soured her Charleston triumph.
The American defeated world number 18 Jelena Jankovic 3-6 6-0 6-2 in just under two hours, however the match will be remembered for tension between the players.
Jankovic was left upset when Williams made a point of stopping her serving too soon early in the second set after taking the opener.
“How long do I have to wait?” Jankovic asked the umpire, before Williams responded: “Until I’m ready”. The American would win the next eight points.
“I wasn’t ready,” Williams said of the dispute. “I am the most respectful player, other than Venus. I am so respectful to my colleagues.”
However, Jankovic conceded she didn’t handle the situation well.
“I gave her wins. I let her back in the match. That was my mistake,” she said.
“I got tired. It was my sixth match here and playing Serena is not easy - you have to run a lot of balls down and hit as hard as you can and give your maximum.
“She’s so strong. She’s the number one player in the world for a reason. She was the better one at the end.”