Jelena Ostapenko`s powerful and fast-paced style is well-known in the tennis world. Recently in Stuttgart, she shared that her need for speed isn`t just limited to the tennis court.
After progressing in her match against Dayana Yastremska, who unfortunately had to retire due to illness, Ostapenko discussed her fearless approach in an interview. She mentioned enjoying rollercoasters, especially the `crazy ones` for an adrenaline rush. At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the topic naturally shifted to cars.
`I love driving fast,` Ostapenko confessed. `I`ve even taken advanced driving courses where they teach you how to drift and other techniques.`
The Stuttgart tournament is famous for awarding a Porsche to the champion each year. Interestingly, Ostapenko already owns a Porsche Cayenne Turbo because of its impressive speed. When asked about speed limits, the former Roland Garros champion just laughed and said, `I hope the Latvian police aren`t watching!`
Ostapenko`s victory was somewhat bittersweet as Yastremska is a friend and her doubles partner for the week. Their reunion as a doubles team is something both players have looked forward to since reaching the Beijing final in 2019. Despite limited opportunities to play together due to Yastremska`s doubles ranking, this is only their third tournament as a pair, and they have already won their first round against Nastasja Schunk and Ella Seidel.
For Ostapenko, the best part of partnering with Yastremska is the amplified fearlessness they bring to the court.
`I think some doubles players lack this fearlessness,` Ostapenko explained. `When you just go for your shots without worrying too much, it`s a good thing. Singles players often have more of this than doubles players, who can become tense in crucial moments.`
She added, `I don’t see any downsides to our partnership. If we have an off day, we have an off day, but we always aim to give it our all!`
Their continued progress in doubles will depend on Yastremska`s recovery. Ostapenko expressed her support for her friend, emphasizing, `Health is the most important thing. It always comes first, and everything else follows.`
In singles, Ostapenko`s next opponent will be either No. 7 seed Emma Navarro or Beatriz Haddad Maia.
