PERTH: Serbia's world No.3 Jelena Jankovic suffered an injury scare at the Hopman Cup here on Wednesday less than two weeks away from the start of the Australian Open.
Jankovic, who had hoped to put the injury dramas of late 2007 behind her by cutting back on her playing schedule this year, lasted just 14 points in her singles match against France's Tatiana Golovin before being forced to retire with an upper leg strain.
Jankovic, desperate for match practice ahead of the year's first Grand Slam after limited preparation for the 2008 season, then took the court for the mixed doubles with her leg heavily strapped to help Serbia to victory in the tie, but was clearly restricted in her movement.
The 22-year-old said she initially feared her Australian Open campaign was over.
"It was really painful and I thought I had torn a muscle," she said.
"It was really dangerous, because for me I have to be ready for Melbourne, which is most important and I don't want to risk any type of injury.
"I was really concerned (she would miss the Australian Open), but I went straight to hospital and got tests and I am really glad I don't have a torn muscle, only a strain.
"I got taped for the doubles. I was doing okay, then as the match went longer I started to have pain in my back and then it got lower."
Jankovic could be heard screaming in pain in the changing rooms as she received acupuncture treatment after the doubles match.
"I was crying in the changing room and screaming a lot," she said.
"But I will do anything to get healthy and play injury free."
Jankovic, who conceded she was a doubt for Serbia's final Hopman Cup group tie on Thursday, said she was optimistic about recovering in time for Melbourne.
The Australian Open starts on January 14 and Jankovic is scheduled to complete her preparation in the Medibank International in Sydney next week.
Having been sidelined by nasal surgery in November, Jankovic admitted the injury was an untimely one and she was not as fit as she wanted.
Jankovic suffered the injury stretching for a backhand return during the first game of the singles match and immediately reached for the top of her right leg.
The 22-year-old said she was on "one leg" in the mixed doubles.
