Ostapenko Catches Fire En Route To Dubai Title

This past week in Dubai, Jelena Ostapenko unleashed the game that saw her once win the French Open title. The go-for-broke Latvian played some of her best tennis in years claiming her fifth career WTA title with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Veronika Kudermetova Saturday night in Dubai.

The title was arguably her biggest since her 2017 triumph at Roland Garros, and she did it defeating four former Grand Slam champions before blowing past the Russian Kudermetova in the final.

“Today I knew was going to be a tough match, and I went on the court very focused,” said Ostapenko. “I really wanted to win because I love to play in the final, but I hate to lose in the final, so I really wanted to get that title. I think my mentality was good today and I was playing well.

“I think I played really well today,” she added. “In general, I’m really happy with the whole week, because it was very tough opponents I had to face every round.””

Earlier, Ostapenko knocked out Sofia Kenin, then Iga Swiatek and Petra Kvitova in final set breakers, and then Simona Halep in three sets. She had to save a match point against Kvitova in the quarters.

“I think I played really well today,” Ostapenko said on court, after the match. “In general, I’m really happy with the whole week, because it was very tough opponents I had to face every round.”

The 24-year-old Kudermetova was seeking her second career title after Charleston last year. She upset Victoria Azarenka and then in the second round stunned defending champion Garbine Muguruza.

You Might Like:
Ostapenko Stuns Halep for 1st WTA Title at French Open
French Open Champions Krejcikova, Ostapenko Meet For Grass Title In Birmingham
Ostapenko Back In Win Column After Title In Eastbourne Over Kontaveit
Kontaveit Cools Ostapenko, Will Meet Swiatek For Doha Title
Svitolina, 6 of Top 10, Loaded Floaters Field at WTA Dubai