Jankovic flying high - at controls of a helicopter

MELBOURNE: Serbian golden girl Jelena Jankovic is flying high after beating Serena Williams at the Australian Open on Tuesday, and a helicopter is her choice of transport.   

The third seed, who dumped the defending champion 6-3, 6-4 to reach her first semi-final at Melbourne Park, revealed she had taken the controls of a chopper with her family in the back last year in New Zealand.   

And the 22-year-old plans to do it again in Melbourne.   

"I have a lot of friends here, and they keep telling me they want to take me on a helicopter, and they want me to drive them. I don't know how safe is that," she said.   

"Actually, I did it last year in Auckland and I drove my mum and some friends in the back. They turned so pale, they were so scared.   

"They couldn't wait until they landed, but it's so much fun. I love doing that, and I want to see Melbourne from the top."   

She didn't say whether she has a pilots licence or has ever taken flying lessons. If not, aviation authorities might want a word with her.