Jelena Ostapenko thinks Aryna Sabalenka 'hates her' after Stuttgart final

Jelena Ostapenko beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final

Jelena Ostapenko has claimed Aryna Sabalenka “hates her” following the tennis star’s stunning win in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final in Stuttgart. The Latvian star cruised to her first-ever victory against the world No.1, defeating Sabalenka in straight sets. After a topsy-turvy opening set that saw Ostapenko throw away a three-game lead, the 27-year-old eventually got over the line to give herself an early advantage. The second set was much more straightforward, however, with Ostapenko dropping just one game en route to securing the victory.

She did so by breaking the Sabalenka serve four times, during what was the Belarusian’s fourth appearance in the final. She’s yet to win the tournament, though, with Ostapenko joking Sabalenka now “hates” her after the result. Speaking on court after the match, Ostapenko said: “Congrats Aryna on a great week. I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly,” making reference to the Porsche car the victor is gifted by the tournament sponsors. “I’m sure you’ll get it another time. It’s great to share the court with you. You’re such a champion.”

Jelena Ostapenko won a car for taking the Stuttgart Open

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However, Sabalenka vowed to get her hands on one of her own, stating after the match: “I want to congratulate Jelena and her team on a great week. You played really great this week and you were a better player than me today. That’s just about it. Well done and enjoy driving this beautiful car! I’m glad I can afford this car. After this final, we’re gonna order one because I guess this is the only way for me!” She added: “I lost three finals here against No. 1s. So I was, like, ‘Okay I have to do it. I have to come back here as the world No. 1’. I want to finally win the Porsche this year.”

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