Serbia's world No.3 Jelena Jankovic was involved in a bizarre day of Hopman Cup tennis yesterday, barely two weeks away from the start of the Australian Open.

Jankovic, who had hoped to put the injury dramas of late 2007 behind her by cutting back on her playing schedule this year, had to retire with a leg strain from her singles match against France's Tatiana Golovin after playing just 14 points, and was rushed off to hospital for checks.

But with her leg heavily strapped and obviously restricted movement, she was able to take the court with Novak Djokovic in the crucial mixed doubles and help Serbia through with a 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10-4) victory. This was after Djokovic had accounted for France's Arnaud Clement 6-3, 6-3 in the second singles game to level the tie at one-all.

'Jankovic said she initially feared her Australian Open campaign might be over when she pulled up in pain against Golovin'

Jankovic said she initially feared her Australian Open campaign might be over when she pulled up in pain against Golovin. "It was really painful and I thought I had torn a muscle," she said."It was really dangerous, because for me I have to be ready for Melbourne, which is most important and I don't want to risk any type of injury.

It was during the Djokovic-Clement match that word came through that Jankovic had returned from hospital and was prepared to risk all by playing in the mixed doubles. As it turned out, Djokovic just about carried her through, being able to compensate for the restricted movement of his partner, but there will still be concerns about  Jankovic's fitness for Australia.

Serbia next take on Argentina and a Serbian win will see them take a place in the final. If they lose, France could make the final with a win over Chinese Taipei.