Jelena Ostapenko is known for her powerful and fast-paced tennis game. Recently in Stuttgart, she shared that her love for speed extends beyond the court.
After winning her match against Dayana Yastremska, Ostapenko was asked about her fearless approach. She mentioned enjoying rollercoasters, especially the `crazy ones` for an adrenaline rush. At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the topic shifted to cars.
`I love to drive fast,` Ostapenko stated. `I`ve even taken advanced driving courses to learn drifting and similar techniques.`
The Stuttgart tournament famously awards a Porsche to the champion. Ostapenko already owns a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which she chose specifically for its speed. When asked about speed limits, she laughed and said, `I hope the Latvian police aren`t watching!`
Ostapenko`s victory was somewhat overshadowed by Yastremska`s injury. They are also doubles partners and reached the Beijing final in 2019 in their first partnership. Despite Yastremska`s lower doubles ranking limiting their appearances, they`ve reunited and won their first round in Stuttgart.
Ostapenko believes their doubles partnership is strengthened by their shared fearlessness. She feels this quality is sometimes lacking in other doubles players who can become too cautious under pressure.
`I think singles players are more fearless. Some doubles players get stressed in crucial moments,` she explained. `There are no downsides to our approach. If we have a bad day, we have a bad day, but we`ll always aim to play our best!`
Their continued doubles run depends on Yastremska`s recovery. Ostapenko expressed her support, emphasizing that `Health is most important, everything else comes second.`
In the singles tournament, Ostapenko`s next opponent will be either No. 7 seed Emma Navarro or Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Rupert Caldwell