Jankovic takes first title in 18 months
Denisa Allertova's run to the Guangzhou International Women's Open final did not have a fairytale ending
Jelena Jankovic took the 14th WTA title of her career and first in 18 months, crushing Denisa Allertova 6-2 6-0 in the Guangzhou International Women's Open final.
Allertova had lit up the tournament with her run to a first Tour final, toppling big-name seeded opposition in the form of Simona Halep (1) and Sara Errani (3) to cap the best week of her fledgling career.
However, fourth seed Jankovic proved an obstacle too far for the 22-year-old Czech.
Strength on serve was crucial for the world number 25, Jankovic dragging back all but one of the six break points Allertova managed to open up as well as firing down 10 aces – the last of which took out match point after an hour and 10 minutes on court.
Jankovic has come close to silverware on Tour this year, reaching the semi-finals in Cincinnati and 's-Hertogenbosch, having lost the Indian Wells final to Halep also in 2015.