Ana Ivanovic believes she can defend her French Open crown in Paris, despite being hampered by a knee injury.
Champion's niggling knee injury dies down ahead of Paris
French Open champion Ana Ivanovic says she is optimistic about defending her crown after receiving some good news over her knee injury.
The world number eight's niggling problem has died down ahead of the tournament, which starts in Paris on Sunday.
While the injury means Ivanovic has not had the preparation she would have liked, she is still bullish about her chances for Roland Garros.
The 21-year-old told her
official website: "Thankfully the pain and inflammation in my knee has gone away so I have been able to practise this week.
"My timing is pretty good at the moment and I'm optimistic about my chances of success in Paris."
"Obviously I haven't had the preparation I would have liked, but on the positive side I didn't play many matches before the French Open last year too."
The Serbian has suffered a sharp loss of form since taking last year's title, winning only one tournament - the Linz Open last October.
Jankovic upbeat
Meanwhile, compatriot Jelena Jankovic is also targeting a return to form after a disappointing season on the WTA Tour.
The 24-year-old made a fourth-round exit from the Australian Open and then lost to Swiss Patty Schnyder in the Madrid Open quarter-finals to see her drop to fifth in the world rankings.
"I expected a lot more of myself in Madrid, but it's history and I now have to raise my game for the French Open," she said.
"I know where I have to improve and I also have to make radical changes to be number one again."
