Jankovic blames Roland Garros balls for injuries

Jelena Jankovic blamed the heavy balls being used at Roland Garros for the injuries she has picked up over the past week.

After receiving medical attention on a sore wrist during her second-round win on Thursday, the Serbian third seed again asked for the trainer on Sunday, this time requesting a rubdown on her stiff neck and shoulder.

"Here in Roland Garros a lot of players have been suffering with the arm because of the balls," grumbled Jankovic following her 6-3, 7-6 fourth-round win over Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska.

"The balls are a little bit heavier and I think also Agnieszka, I saw on the screen it showed she had her arm taped, as well.

"I don't know what kind of problems she has but a lot of players have been complaining they have some pain and stiffness in their arm, which is not usual.

"I'm not the only one that is suffering from that but I'm working hard to keep my body in shape to stay injury free. But sometimes you don't have a choice."

The rain that has dogged the first week of the claycourt major has also compounded Jankovic's problems as she has been forced to play four days running.

"I've been playing three or four days in a row now, so I didn't have any rest," said Jankovic, who remained on course for an all-Serbian semi-final with Ana Ivanovic.

"Finally I will have a day off tomorrow, to recover, and do some treatments and try to feel the best possible for the next one.

"I wish I didn't have any injuries. I wish I was healthier and I can enjoy my games, my matches. But sometimes that's the way it is. Hopefully I'll get better."

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