Unexpectedly, a first-time doubles team was called to the stadium court at the Credit One Charleston Open after the first three singles matches concluded quickly on Monday.
This wasn`t just a random pairing; it featured Erin Routliffe, ranked No. 3, and Jelena Ostapenko, ranked No. 4, in the Hologic WTA Tour. Routliffe is known for winning the previous year`s WTA Finals in Riyadh and the 2023 US Open with Gabriela Dabrowski, while Ostapenko herself secured the US Open title last year with Lyudmyla Kichenok.
As expected, it took some time for them to synchronize their play. However, they ultimately gained momentum and defeated Viktoriya Tomova and Katie Volynets with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 10-2 in a match tie-break, advancing to the quarterfinals as the top seeds.
“A few days before the tournament, Erin asked if I was interested in playing doubles,” Ostapenko mentioned afterwards. “Initially, I wasn’t planning to play doubles here, but I thought, ‘Why not? She’s an excellent doubles player.’”
“Yes, it was a lot of fun.”
Ostapenko`s history in Charleston dates back to 2017 when she was still a teenager. That year, she reached the final and then remarkably won Roland Garros just two months later. She returned to Charleston two years later, but the consecutive tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, and Charleston felt like too much time away from her home in Latvia.
“I didn’t want to stay that long just waiting for the tournament,” Ostapenko explained to wtatennis.com. “However, I had a great opportunity to practice on green clay in Miami, so I decided to extend my stay here.”
As the No. 11 seed, she is set to compete against the winner of the Tuesday match between qualifier Louisa Chirico and Erika Andreeva. Should she win, a potential third-round match against defending champion Danielle Collins awaits.
Ostapenko has shown remarkable consistency, maintaining a position within the Top 20 for the past three years. Currently ranked No. 25, her most notable achievement this year was reaching the final in Doha. En route to the final, she triumphed over No. 2 Iga Swiatek and No. 4 Jasmine Paolini.
What makes Doha special for her?
“I think it’s just the place itself,” Ostapenko responded with a laugh. “Perhaps because it’s where my journey began. Also, I played in the biggest final of my career there in 2016. I simply enjoy playing in the Middle East.”
Playing doubles with Routliffe, Ostapenko`s characteristic expressions and gestures were clearly visible. Whether it`s scrutinizing her service toss or frowning at a long forehand, these mannerisms have contributed to “Penko’s” global fan base.
“The thing about me is that I am extremely competitive, regardless of whether it’s tennis or anything else,” Ostapenko stated. “And sometimes I become very emotional on the court. I get really frustrated when I miss shots.”
Her objective for this year is to maintain her recent consistency and climb back into the Top 10, a position she held for 10 weeks last year after another successful Middle East swing.
“Of course, in the coming years,” she added, “my goal is to win another Grand Slam.”
Only a select group of 16 active players can aim for “another” Grand Slam title. Since Serena Williams claimed her 23rd and final major at the 2017 Australian Open, there have been 14 different Grand Slam singles champions, with ten of them, including Ostapenko, holding one title.
Does Ostapenko now have a greater appreciation for her victory seven years ago compared to how she felt at the time?
“That’s a thoughtful question,” she responded after a pause. “I believe I’ve always valued my achievement. I’ve always had faith in myself. I knew I was capable of winning a Grand Slam, but I honestly didn`t anticipate it happening at 19, almost 20. Perhaps it was a bit too early in my career.”
“I think if I had won it later in my career, I would have managed it better—because winning a Grand Slam significantly changes your life. Nowadays, Grand Slam champions are generally older than in the past.”
The success of Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, and Madison Keys—all participating in Charleston and all over 30—is encouraging for her.
“I feel the competition is more open now,” Ostapenko commented. “There are more opportunities for players to win Grand Slams. Anything is possible.”
