Jelena Ostapenko`s powerful and fast-paced style is well-known in tennis, but in Stuttgart, she shared that her love for speed isn`t just limited to the court.
After progressing in her match against Dayana Yastremska, who had to retire due to illness when trailing 6-3, 3-0, Ostapenko discussed her daring personality in an on-court interview. She enjoys rollercoasters, especially the `crazy ones` for an adrenaline rush. At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the conversation naturally 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, chosen specifically for its speed. When asked about speed limits, the former Roland Garros champion laughed and said cautiously, `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 as a doubles team is something they had looked forward to. In their first partnership, they reached the Beijing final in 2019. This week marks only their third tournament together due to Yastremska`s previous doubles ranking. They have already secured a first-round victory against Nastasja Schunk and Ella Seidel.
According to Ostapenko, the best part of partnering with Yastremska is that their shared fearlessness is amplified.
`I believe some doubles players lack this fearlessness,` Ostapenko explained. `When you confidently go for shots without worrying about mistakes, it`s advantageous. Singles players are generally more fearless than doubles players, as some doubles specialists can become tense and 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 strive to perform our best!`
Their continued progress depends on Yastremska`s recovery. Ostapenko expressed her understanding and sent well wishes to Yastremska after their match.
`Health is the top priority,` she emphasized. `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.
