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Paul Ryding

Jelena Jankovic proved to the world - and herself - that she can still mix it with the top 10 at the US$250,000 Prudential Hong Kong Open at Victoria Park.
The world number 22 from Serbia fought back from a set and 6-5 down to defeat world number seven Angelique Kerber of Germany 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 in the final on Sunday night.
"I think I proved that I can play at the top level," said the 30-year-old Jankovic.
"Beating Venus [on Saturday] was a great win for me, and then tonight beating Angelique ... I can do it. I proved it to myself and to others as well."
WATCH: Jelena Jankovic beats Venus Williams to progress to the Hong Kong Open final

To be honest, I was exhausted in that second set. There were so many long rallies and tough points and that tie-breaker when I made the drop-shot was lucky as well
Jelena Jankovic
The victory was Jankovic's third title of the year, coming on top of the Guangzhou Open two weeks ago. Hong Kong was not even on her schedule until she answered the call from organisers after a spate of last-minute withdrawals. 
The 27-year-old Kerber looked impenetrable in cruising into an early advantage. And as she took a 6-5 lead in the second set, few would have foreseen Jankovic battling back to take the title.
"It was tough - she's a great competitor and she has been in good form," said Jankovic. "I'm really happy I was able to win my third title [of the season] here in Hong Kong. It's amazing."
WATCH: Jelena Jankovic battles back to win Hong Kong Open 

In the third set an ailing Kerber could do nothing to resist the aggressive onslaught that came her way. And as Jankovic wrapped up a dominant third set, the crowd had the outcome it wanted but which seemed so unlikely earlier in the match.
"At the end, Jelena was playing good and she deserved to win," said Kerber.
"I felt my back a little, but I will not give that as an excuse why I lost the final."

The blonde German was coolness personified as she moved into an early lead with a blitz of pin-point forehands. Early indications were that Kerber had brought her A-game, which had enabled her to swat away all comers in her run to the final.
As the crowd willed the Serbian on, the first set slipped from her grasp and Kerber sealed a marathon first set in less than 50 minutes.
The former world number one Jankovic was quickest out of the traps in the second set and moved into the lead courtesy of a rare lapse in concentration from the German.
It was tough - she's a great competitor ... I'm really happy I was able to win my third title [of the season] here in Hong Kong. It's amazing
Jelena Jankovic
With Kerber's game slowly beginning to flag in the second set, Jankovic looked destined to level the match, before Kerber regained the momentum and took a 6-5 lead making the Serbian pay for some sloppy play.
Realising she needed something special, Jankovic broke back forcing the game into a nerve-jangling tie-breaker.

Jankovic gained the early momentum before an incredible passage of play - the best of the tournament - had the whole of centre court, including Kerber, on its feet applauding a fantastic point that the 30-year-old sealed with a glorious drop-shot and acknowledged with a bow.
"To be honest, I was exhausted in that second set," admitted the Serbian. "There were so many long rallies and tough points and that tie-breaker when I made the drop-shot was lucky as well.
"I tried to fight hard and I was able to pull that second set off. And in the third set her level dropped."



Back again: Prudential confirms partnership as Hong Kong Tennis Open sponsor

Hong Kong Tennis Open can be Asia's answer to Wimbledon or the Australian Open, say organisers  

'I can still beat the best': Jelena Jankovic crowned champion at Hong Kong Tennis Open 

Jelena Jankovic wins the Hong Kong Tennis Open with a three-set win over Angelique Kerber

Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2015

Serbia's Jelena Jankovic kisses the trophy after winning the Hong Kong Open at Victoria Park on Sunday night. Photos: Sam Tsang

German Angelique Kerber cruised to an early advantage in the final.

Angelique Kerber expresses her frustration in the final against Jelena Jankovic. Photo: AP 

Jelena Jankovic reacts after a long rally in her final match against Angelique Kerber. Photo: AP

Sport

Hong Kong

Tennis

Serbian produces great fightback to wear down world No 7 Angelique Kerber


Jelena Jankovic proved to the world - and herself - that she can still mix it with the top 10 at the US$250,000 Prudential Hong Kong Open at Victoria Park.
