Jelena Ostapenko is known for her powerful and fast-paced tennis style, and in Stuttgart, she admitted that her need for speed extends beyond the tennis court.
After progressing in her match against Dayana Yastremska, who retired due to illness when trailing 6-3, 3-0, Ostapenko discussed her fearless nature in an on-court interview. She enjoys rollercoasters, especially `crazy` ones for the adrenaline rush. At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the topic shifted to cars.
`I enjoy driving fast,` Ostapenko confessed. `I`ve also taken advanced driving courses to learn drifting and similar techniques.`
Famously, the tournament awards a Porsche to its champion each year. Ostapenko already owns a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, specifically because of its speed. The former Roland Garros champion jokingly commented on speed limits, saying with a laugh: `I hope the Latvian police aren`t watching!`
Ostapenko`s victory was bittersweet as Yastremska is a friend and her doubles partner this week. They reunited as a doubles team, having previously reached the 2019 Beijing final. Despite limited opportunities to play together due to Yastremska`s doubles ranking, they have already secured a win in Stuttgart.
Ostapenko believes her and Yastremska`s fearlessness is a strength in doubles. She explained, `I feel that’s what some doubles players are missing, this fearlessness. When you just go for the shots, you don’t care if it’s in or out, you just go for it. I think that’s a good thing. Of course, singles players are more fearless than doubles players because some doubles players, they can get really stressed and tight in deciding moments.`
`I don’t think there are any negatives. If we don’t have a good day, we don’t have a good day, but we will do everything possible to make sure we have a good day!` she added.
Their continued progress depends on Yastremska`s health. Ostapenko expressed understanding and offered well wishes to Yastremska after their match.
`Health is very important,` she stated. `It’s always in first place, and everything else is after.`
In singles, Ostapenko will next play against either No. 7 seed Emma Navarro or Beatriz Haddad Maia.
