Jelena Ostapenko`s powerful and fast-paced style is well-known in tennis, but in Stuttgart, she shared that her need for speed extends beyond the court.
After progressing in the tournament due to Dayana Yastremska`s retirement from illness at 6-3, 3-0, Ostapenko`s fearless nature was highlighted in an on-court interview. While she enjoys rollercoasters, especially `crazy ones` for the adrenaline, at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the topic shifted to cars.
`I love driving fast,` Ostapenko admitted. `I`ve even taken extreme driving courses to learn drifting and similar techniques.`
The Stuttgart tournament famously awards a Porsche to the champion each year. However, Ostapenko already owns a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which she chose specifically for its speed. When asked about speed limits, the former Roland Garros champion laughed and said, `I hope the Latvian police aren`t watching!`
Ostapenko`s victory was somewhat bittersweet as Yastremska is a friend and her doubles partner for the week. Their reunion in doubles is notable given their aggressive playing styles. They previously reached the Beijing final in 2019 in their first partnership. This week marks only their third tournament together due to Yastremska`s doubles ranking, and they have already won their first-round match against Nastasja Schunk and Ella Seidel.
For Ostapenko, the best part of partnering with Yastremska is the amplified fearlessness they bring to the court.
`I think some doubles players lack this fearlessness,` Ostapenko explained. `We just go for our shots without worrying too much if they land in or out. Singles players tend to be more fearless than doubles players, who can become stressed in crucial moments.`
`I see no downsides to our partnership. If we have an off day, we have an off day, but we`ll always try our best to have a good one!`
Their continued progress depends on Yastremska`s recovery. Ostapenko expressed her understanding and sent well wishes to Yastremska after their match.
`Health is the priority,` she stated. `It always comes first, before everything else.`
In singles, Ostapenko`s next opponent will be either No. 7 seed Emma Navarro or Beatriz Haddad Maia.
