Ostapenko stuns Sabalenka to win Stuttgart title

Jelena Ostapenko clinched the Stuttgart Open title with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Aryna Sabalenka, marking her first clay title since winning the French Open in 2017.

Ostapenko broke Sabalenka’s serve to start both sets and converted six of eleven break points while keeping her unforced errors to just eight. She struck 21 winners, using her forehand to finish rallies and keep Sabalenka under pressure throughout the match. The Latvian wrapped up the contest in 85 minutes, closing with an unreturnable forehand winner that sent the crowd of 4,200 to their feet.

Talking about the week leading up to the final, Ostapenko said, “I felt very confident from the very first day. I had this strange, but also good feeling, that something special could happen here. I’ve earned it”. During the trophy ceremony, she added, “Thanks to my team for always supporting me on good and bad days. It’s not always easy with me, but thank you so much for being by my side. I hope to be back next year, and I’m just really happy today”.

Ostapenko’s path to the final included victories over Dayana Yastremska, Emma Navarro, Iga Swiatek, and Ekaterina Alexandrova, making her victory all the more impressive as it did not come easy.

After the match, Ostapenko took a lap around the court in her new Porsche, a tradition for the Stuttgart champion, and celebrated with her team. “When I arrived in Stuttgart, I knew this would happen,” she said, unable to contain her excitement. 

Sabalenka, who has now finished runner-up in four of the last five Stuttgart finals, acknowledged Ostapenko’s level. “I didn’t play my best tennis on the important points, and in the end, Jelena was simply brutally good. I’ve lost a lot of close finals. Learn the lesson, move on. That’s my plan. I will try to do better next year”.