The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tokyo

Jelena Jankovic said today she was determined to regain the title of world number one at this week's Pan Pacific Open in Japan after holding the rank for just one week.

"Anytime you achieve the number one ranking, it doesn't matter whether it's for a week or many years," said the 23-year-old from Belgrade, who spent her brief stint as world number one during the Beijing Olympics.

"Of course, I'd love to come back to that spot. That's why I'm here to play. I really want to come back to the number one position. I'll try my best."

Jankovic had a chance to regain the top spot at the US Open, but she lost to Serena Williams in the final, giving the number one ranking to the American.

She is only 126 behind Williams at second place this week.

"It's every player's dream to become number one in the world," Jankovic said. "I'm just the 18th player in the history of tennis to achieve that, so it's a huge achievement."

"But not many people make it and I'm really proud that I'm one of those who joined the selection of great champions," added Jankovic, also the semi-finalist at the Australian and French Opens.