Jelena Ostapenko captured her first-ever win against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final in Stuttgart, clinching the title in straight sets and making a cheeky comment afterward that drew laughs.
The Latvian star overcame a turbulent first set in which she squandered a three-game lead but recovered to take the set. She then dominated the second set, dropping just one game and breaking Sabalenka’s serve four times to seal the win.
After the match, Ostapenko lightheartedly teased her opponent during the trophy ceremony:
“Congrats Aryna on a great week. I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly,” she said, referencing the luxury Porsche awarded to the tournament winner. “I’m sure you’ll get it another time. It’s great to share the court with you. You’re such a champion.”
Sabalenka, who has now reached four Stuttgart finals without a win, took the loss in stride.
“I want to congratulate Jelena and her team on a great week,” she said. “You played really great this week and were the better player today. Well done and enjoy driving this beautiful car!”
She added with a smile, “I’m glad I can afford this car. After this final, we’re going to order one because I guess that’s the only way for me!”
Despite the disappointment, Sabalenka remains determined. “I lost three finals here against No. 1s. So I was like, ‘Okay, I have to come back here as world No. 1.’ I want to finally win the Porsche.”
Both players now turn their attention to the upcoming clay-court swing, with the WTA 1000 Madrid Open next, followed by the Italian Open in Rome, leading up to the French Open at the end of May. Sabalenka’s best result in Paris remains a semi-final finish in 2023.
