As anticipation builds for the blockbuster showdown in Stuttgart, Jelena Ostapenko is keeping her game plan refreshingly straightforward: stay aggressive and play her own game.
On Saturday, world No. 24 Ostapenko will face off against world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in what will be their sixth career meeting. Remarkably, the Latvian holds a perfect 5-0 head-to-head record over the Polish star, a stat that continues to surprise many in the tennis world.
Their most recent clash came just two months ago in Doha, where Ostapenko delivered a commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over the five-time Grand Slam champion. When asked about her stunning success against Swiatek, Ostapenko responded with confidence but without overcomplicating things.
“I just have to do what I have to do: stay aggressive and play my game,” she said. “I’m always ready for a battle against great players. I think I just need to focus more on what I have to do.”
Comfort Zone in Stuttgart
The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart is a familiar and beloved stop for Ostapenko. This marks her seventh appearance at the WTA 500 event, and the Latvian makes no secret of how much she enjoys the atmosphere.
“I think it’s really great to see almost a full stadium,” she said. “Honestly, I love this tournament. I think it’s one of the nicest events of the year. I enjoy playing on big stages with a lot of people—it’s way more fun than playing when no one’s watching,” she added with a smile.
While Ostapenko’s track record against Swiatek is unmatched, she’s under no illusions about the challenge ahead. Swiatek is a two-time Stuttgart champion and thrives on the indoor clay, making Saturday’s encounter one of the most highly anticipated matches of the week.
Will Ostapenko extend her dominance, or can Swiatek finally crack the code?
Stay tuned for full coverage of this must-watch clash.
