Smiling Jankovic earns cheers in defeat

NEW YORK, Sep 6 (Reuters) Jelena Jankovic enjoyed the evening but not the result at Arthur Ashe Stadium where she lost to Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the US Open quarter-finals.

The third-seeded Jankovic was beaten 4-6 6-1 7-6, dropping the deciding tiebreak 7-4.

The 22-year-old Serb traded fierce groundstrokes with Williams and playful banter with fans, endearing herself to the National Tennis Center night crowd.

''I think you have fun sometimes on the court,'' Jankovic told reporters. ''I don't think you have to always be so serious like some of the players are.

''You have to enjoy it. So this is what I'm doing, having a lot of fun on the court.'' Jankovic, who has won four titles this year, applauded good shots from 12th seed Williams, even smiling in appreciation at blistering aces from the 27-year-old American.

''I think it's nice to be fair, to give credit to the opponent,'' said the Serb, who had beaten Williams in their three previous meetings.

''When she hits a great shot, why not? You can say, 'Well done.' Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with smiling on the court.

''I cannot do anything when she hits an unbelievable serve. I cannot return it. So why not give her credit and say, 'Well done, Venus.''' The fans picked up on her good nature.

''I love when there are a lot of supporters. They go like, 'Jelena, we love your smile.' ''I'm like, 'But, yeah, it doesn't help me return her serve.' It's always funny. It's quite entertaining.'' REUTERS TB SSC1155