Unexpectedly, the Charleston Open stadium court called upon a first-time doubles team after three quick singles matches on Monday.
This wasn`t just any impromptu pairing; it featured Erin Routliffe, the world No. 3 who won the WTA Finals and US Open doubles titles last year, and Jelena Ostapenko, the world No. 4 and also a reigning US Open doubles champion.
While they needed some time to gel, they ultimately defeated Viktoriya Tomova and Katie Volynets in a match tie-break, 2-6, 6-3, 10-2. As the top seeds, they have advanced to the quarterfinals.
“A few days prior to the event, Erin asked if I was interested in playing,” Ostapenko said. “Initially, I wasn’t planning to play doubles here, but I thought, `Why not? She’s an excellent doubles player.’”
“Yes, it was really enjoyable.”
Ostapenko`s Charleston journey began in 2017 as a teenager. She reached the final that year and then remarkably won Roland Garros two months later. She returned two years later, but the series of tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, and Charleston felt too long to be away from Latvia.
“I preferred not to stay for such an extended period waiting for this tournament,” Ostapenko mentioned to wtatennis.com. “However, having a good opportunity to practice on green clay in Miami convinced me to stay.”
Seeded No. 11, she is set to face the winner of the match between qualifier Louisa Chirico and Erika Andreeva. Victory could lead to a third-round encounter with defending champion Danielle Collins.
Ostapenko has shown impressive consistency, maintaining a Top 20 ranking for the past three years. Currently ranked No. 25, her highlight this year was reaching the Doha final, where she defeated top players like Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini.
Why does she perform well in Doha?
“I believe it’s just the atmosphere of the place,” Ostapenko chuckled. “Perhaps it`s because it marks the beginning for me. And my biggest final before my grand slam win was also there in 2016. I simply love competing in the Middle East.”
Playing doubles with Routliffe, Ostapenko’s characteristic expressions and mannerisms were in full swing. Her intense focus during serves and visible frustration with missed forehands are part of why “Penko” has gained a global fanbase.
“The thing about me is my intense competitiveness, whether it’s tennis or anything else,” Ostapenko explained. “And I can become quite emotional on court. Missed shots can really upset me.”
Her aim for this year is to build on her recent consistency and break back into the Top 10, a position she held for 10 weeks last year after another strong Middle East season.
“Of course, in the coming years,” she stated, “my goal is to secure another Grand Slam title.”
Only a select group of 16 active players can claim to have won “another” Grand Slam. Since Serena Williams` 23rd major win at the 2017 Australian Open, there have been 14 different Grand Slam singles champions, with ten, including Ostapenko, holding one title each.
Does Ostapenko have a greater appreciation now for her achievement seven years ago?
“That’s a thoughtful question,” she responded after a pause. “I think I’ve always valued what I accomplished. I’ve always had self-belief. I knew I was capable of winning a Grand Slam, though I didn’t anticipate it happening at 19, turning 20. It might have been a bit premature for me.”
“I believe if I had won later in my career, I might have handled 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 players like Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, and Madison Keys, all competing in Charleston and over 30, is encouraging to her.
“I feel the field is more level now,” Ostapenko observed. “There are increased opportunities for various players to win Grand Slams. Anything is possible.”
