World No. 24 Returns To New Haven Adding Depth To Field
NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 10, 2004 – The impressive Pilot Pen Tennis field just added another headliner, as world No. 24 Jelena Dokic of Serbia has committed to make her fifth appearance in New Haven. With 13 weeks remaining until first serve, Dokic joins top-10 standouts Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Davenport and Nadia Petrova, and rising star Maria Sharapova at the Pilot Pen presented by Michelob ULTRA, a USTA Event, set for August 20-28 at the Connecticut Tennis Center.
Dokic made her first appearance in New Haven back in 2000. Since then she has become a familiar face at the Pilot Pen competing in 2001, where she reached the third round, 2002 and 2003. Thus far on Tour in 2004 she has posted solid results, reaching the semifinals at Tokyo in February and reaching the fourth round in Miami this past March.
“We’re very happy to hear Jelena will be coming back to New Haven,” said Anne Worcester, Pilot Pen Tennis tournament director. ”She’s become quite well known here and the fans are always excited for her return.”
Dokic has enjoyed success in her young career. She holds five singles titles, four doubles titles, and is a seven-time WTA Tour finalist. With a career-high ranking of No. 4, she finished within the Top 10 in both 2001 and 2002. She is a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist having reached the “Round of 8” at Wimbledon in 1999 and Roland Garros in 2002. Her career-best Grand Slam performance came in 2000 when she reached the semifinals at Wimbledon.