New Delhi: Jelena Ostapenko completed her dream run at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix by taking down World No.1 Arya Sabalenka 6-4, 6-1 in the final to claim her ninth career Hologic WTA Tour title and first on clay since winning the French Open in 2017. In a tournament that had been largely dominated by expectations of another Sabalenka triumph, it was the Latvian who flipped the script with a spirited display in the final.
World No. 24, who is well known for her fearless hitting, came into the clash as the underdog. Sabalenka, a three-time finalist in Stuttgart and one of the most consistent players on tour over the past two years, was tipped to finally lift the Porsche Trophy. But Ostapenko had other plans as she played with relentless intent from the baseline, taking time away from Sabalenka and constantly forcing her onto the back foot.
Eyes on the prize, and now it’s hers 😆@JelenaOstapenk8 defeats the World No.1 to win her first Stuttgart singles title, 6-4, 6-1!#PorscheTennis pic.twitter.com/9FeBYIvbuE
— wta (@WTA) April 21, 2025
The opening set saw both players exchange heavy blows, but it was Ostapenko who found the extra edge in the key moments, breaking late to take the lead. The second set was a tighter affair, with Sabalenka showing more composure and fighting to stay in the contest. But every time the Belarusian looked to find rhythm, Ostapenko responded with an emphatic winner or a gutsy hold.
By the end, the 2017 Roland Garros champion had not only managed to keep Sabalenka at bay but had also silenced the crowd who had expected a familiar winner. It was Ostapenko’s first title of the season and arguably one of the biggest wins of her career since her Roland Garros breakthrough.
“I’m really proud of the way I fought,” Ostapenko said in her on-court interview. “Aryna is such a tough opponent, and I had to stay aggressive and trust myself throughout.”
Ostapenko drives with one hand on the wheel so much aura oh my god pic.twitter.com/dn1KsNyLQk
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 21, 2025
The road ahead
This win not only gives Ostapenko a much-needed boost ahead of the clay season but also serves as a timely reminder of her capability to challenge the very best. Her ability to step up in big matches, especially against top-ranked opponents, remains one of her most impressive traits.
As for Sabalenka, the wait for a Stuttgart title continues. Despite her consistent performances at the event, she has now finished runner-up four times. The top seed possesses a powerful game and a strong mentality, and it would be hard to keep her away from trophies for so long.
Jelena Ostapenko defeats World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-1 in the Stuttgart final, sealing her first win over the top-ranked star with a fearless display. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
