Ostapenko Beats Sabalenka For Stuttgart Title
Jelena Ostapenko defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the first time, and claimed her first clay court title since winning the French Open in 2017 on Sunday, winning 6-4, 6-1 to win the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix title in Stuttgart, Germany.
With a huge title a brand new Porsche on the line, Ostapenko would reign supreme in this battle of two of the hardest hitters on the WTA Tour. Her first serve was effective from the start and in total she won 81 percent of the points on her first serve, while also setting up 11 break points on Sabalenka’s serve.
In the first set, Ostapenko broke early for a 2-0 lead, and even after Sabalenka brought the set back on serve, the Latvian broke again for a 5-4 lead, and proceeded to serve out the opening set.
With momentum on her side, Ostapenko made sure not to give Sabalenka an opening to get back in the match, winning six of the set’s seven games to secure the win and claim the title.
“Honestly, I didn’t tell [this] to anyone, I was keeping it to myself, but I felt very confident since the first day…When I came here, I felt like something is going to happen this week,” Ostapenko said. “I pretty much felt that I can win this tournament. Because I think I’m improving day-by-day, and I’m playing better and better. Yeah, I think I deserve it.”
Speaking of the matchup with Sabalenka specifically, Ostapenko added:
“Obviously I played her a few times, but I analyzed those matches and I knew what I had to do different today. I think I was more confident and [a] more truer player today than before.”
As a result of her week in Stuttgart, Ostapenka rises six spots to 18th in the world. Sabalenka remains the number one ranked player.
