Eight Years Later, Jelena Ostapenko Still Playing Fearlessly and Winning Titles

It was just two days after her 20th birthday when Jelena Ostapenko made history. Her unexpected victory over Simona Halep in the 2017 French Open final was truly remarkable. Ostapenko was the first unseeded player since 1933 to win a Grand Slam and the first woman in almost 40 years to win a major as her first WTA title.

Looking back, it`s perhaps not surprising that the energetic Latvian was not fully prepared for the sudden fame and pressure that followed her achievement.

“At that time, I was probably fearless, but I lacked experience,” Ostapenko mentioned in Doha a few months prior. “I honestly believe I am a better player now, both mentally and technically. Growing older and more mature will definitely benefit me.”

This was evident on Monday in Stuttgart. Nearly eight years later and still unseeded, Ostapenko demonstrated her progress by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-1 in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final. This victory propelled Ostapenko back into the WTA Top 20 rankings.

This marked her first win against Sabalenka in four attempts. Her impressive run in Stuttgart also included a quarterfinal victory over No. 2 ranked Iga Swiatek, continuing her undefeated record of 6-0 against her. This triumph was even more significant considering Ostapenko`s 7-9 record for the year coming into Stuttgart.

High-stakes situations seem to energize Ostapenko. She later told reporters that she had a feeling this victory was coming.

“Honestly, I didn’t tell anyone,” Ostapenko admitted. “I kept it to myself, but I felt very confident from the beginning. I had a strange feeling – strange in a good way.”

“When I arrived here, I felt like something special was going to happen this week. I truly felt that I could win this tournament.”

Sabalenka commented, “Honestly, I think the first set came down to a few key points. After that, she simply outplayed me. Yes, she played an excellent game in the second set.”

After her win, Ostapenko answered questions in an interview.

You defeated both No. 1 and No. 2 players in the same tournament. What does this accomplishment mean to you?

Ostapenko: I am extremely pleased with my overall performance this week. I was prepared to compete against any opponent because the draw here is quite competitive. I was ready for the best, and I delivered.

You have played against the World No. 1 four times and won three of those matches. What is it about this challenge that motivates you to perform at your best?

Ostapenko: I am always ready for a fight. Everyone at this level is a strong player. To be honest, I don’t overthink it.

How do you explain this week`s breakthrough performance, and why now?

Ostapenko: Because it was the right time to play well! [Laughing]. I believe my game was already at a high level, but I have been focusing on my mental game. I now understand what I need to do. I have confidence in myself.

Do you feel less pressure and play more freely now that you are more mature?

Ostapenko: Yes, I think so. I have experienced enough pressure throughout my career. Even today, in the final, I didn`t feel pressured. I approached it just like any other match. Unfortunately, there is no time to celebrate. Tennis is a demanding sport. I need to catch a plane to Frankfurt, practice in Madrid for a few days, and then play a match on Thursday.

How will this victory boost your confidence heading into Roland Garros? Should you be considered a favorite this year?

Ostapenko: I am not putting any pressure on myself. I know I can perform well on this surface. I will take it one match at a time, as anything is possible.

Here`s more news from the first week of the European clay court season:

Honor Roll

Elina Svitolina: Svitolina, formerly ranked No. 3 in the world, returned from maternity leave in April 2023 and quickly won the Strasbourg title the following month. However, she had only reached one final since then, until this week.

As the top seed, Svitolina won the Open Capfinances Rouen Metropole title, marking her 18th WTA singles title and seventh on clay. Her husband, Gael Monfils, was present to watch her lift the trophy in his home country.

`I am confident in my game, and I trust my abilities,` Svitolina stated afterward. `Throughout the tournament, some players performed exceptionally well, but I remained composed and continued to fight.`

Aryna Sabalenka: Despite finishing as the runner-up in Stuttgart for the fourth time in four finals appearances, Sabalenka has achieved 25 match wins this season, reached five finals, and will extend her lead as World No. 1 in the updated rankings.

Ekaterina Alexandrova: Having previously achieved an eight-match winning streak earlier this season, Alexandrova is again in excellent form. She secured two Top 10 victories in Stuttgart (defeating Mirra Andreeva and Jessica Pegula) and has a 6-2 record in the clay-court season so far, reaching two semifinals (Charleston and Stuttgart).

Olga Danilovic: Currently ranked within the Top 40, Serbia`s Danilovic is another player who has been consistently winning. She has won nine of her last 10 matches, and this past week, she reached her fourth WTA 250 final in Rouen.

Dalma Galfi: The Hungarian player has also won nine of her last 10 matches. After finishing as runner-up at the WTA 125 La Bisbal d`Emporda earlier this month, Galfi won her first WTA 125 title this week on the clay courts of Oeiras, Portugal.

Social Buzz

Earlier this week, WTA Legend Serena Williams was recognized as one of TIME`s Most Influential People in the world for 2025.

The former World No. 1 and 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was praised by track and field champion Allyson Felix, who wrote that Williams `continues to lead the way. Many female athletes see themselves in Serena. Her victory is a victory for all of us.`

`[Williams] has likely influenced millions, and I am one of them,` World No. 4 Coco Gauff said in Stuttgart. `Not just in tennis, but globally, inspiring women to be strong, especially women of color.

`It`s well-deserved. I wasn`t surprised when I saw that. Her photos looked great.`

Stat Corner

6: Following another win in the Stuttgart quarterfinals, Ostapenko has now won all six of her matches against Iga Swiatek. If they both win their first two matches next week, they could potentially face each other for a seventh time in the Madrid Open Round of 16.

3: With her Stuttgart victory over top-ranked Sabalenka, Ostapenko has now won three out of four matches against players ranked World No. 1 at the time of their matches. She previously defeated reigning No. 1 players Garbiñe Muguruza at the 2017 Wuhan Open and Iga Swiatek at the 2023 US Open. Ostapenko`s only loss against a reigning No. 1 player was to Ashleigh Barty at the 2021 Miami Open.

26: After her quarterfinal appearance in Stuttgart, Jessica Pegula concludes the week as the current leader in main-draw match wins on tour this year with 26 victories. Sabalenka is close behind with 25.

Shots of the Week

At the end of a dynamic rally in Rouen, Suzan Lamens outplayed Bianca Andreescu with a stretched forehand.