By Bill Scott Sep 6, 2008, 0:53 GMT
New York - Jalena Jankovic and Serena Williams will try and put a looming bad weather scenario out of mind when the play for the title at the US Open on Saturday.
The night-time contest is threatened by rain forecast from the remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna expected to reach New York sometime on Saturday, possibly wrecking the match.
But both women are more concerned about the contest itself and the number-one ranking on the line for the winner.
Williams has not played for a title at her home Grand Slam since she won the trophy in 2002 over her sister Venus.
'That seems even longer, I really don't even remember that one,' said the eight-time champion at majors. 'I don't remember anything about that.
Williams is seeded fourth to the second of Jankovic, who said that her fitness has finally allowed her to swing freely and without physical and mental pressure during the fortnight at Flushing Meadows.
Williams last won a Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2007, when she came in out for shape, out of practise and ranked just inside the Top 100 after a lengthy absence from the WTA.
This time, she is more prepared for a possible victory but is avoiding any extra pressure.
'I don't feel expected to win, I feel expected to show up and do the best that I can do, I feel I have nothing to lose - I'm going against someone that's ranked higher than me,' Williams said.
Williams called 23-year-old Serb Jankovic a stayer in the heat of battle.
'I don't know too many people on the tour that can hang in there as much as she can,' said the American. 'She's playing well, and she's just going for glory here.'
The pair stand 3-3 in their career series, with Williams winning their last meeting in the Miami final last March.
But Jankovic is confident that she can come good in her first Grand Slam final after losing in her first four semi-finals at the elite level.
'This has been the first set Grand Slam that I don't have any injuries, that I don't have any issues bothering me,' said the Serb. 'I used to be thinking not about the tennis but 'Oh, my God, this is hurting. This is bothering me.'
'This year I'm healthy and I really want to do well. I'm really focused, I really believe in myself, and I'm really going one match at a time.
'I'm trying my best out there, and so I'm motivated. So I'm happy to be in the final for the first time.'
She said Williams will be the toughest of challenges.
'I beat her at the Australian Open this year and she beat me in Miami. She's a powerful player, she loves to play here at the Open, but so do I.
'It's going to be an interesting match. But I will go out there and do my best.'
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