STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Jelena Ostapenko continued her remarkable dominance over Iga Swiatek, defeating the world No. 2 in a thrilling quarterfinal match at the clay-court Porsche Grand Prix on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The Latvian star secured her victory with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, marking her sixth consecutive win against Swiatek and extending her head-to-head record to an impressive 6-0.
Ostapenko, currently ranked No. 24 in the world, showcased her fighting spirit throughout the match. "Every time I step on the court with her it’s another battle, I’m ready for it," she said post-match. The 2017 French Open champion emphasized her determination, stating, "Even if I don’t feel great on the day, I will just fight and leave it all on the court." This tenacity has been a hallmark of her encounters with Swiatek, who has struggled to find her rhythm against the Latvian.
The match unfolded dramatically, with Ostapenko racing to a 4-0 lead in the first set. Her aggressive style and ability to take time away from Swiatek proved pivotal, as she broke the Polish player three times to clinch the opening set. Swiatek, known for her exceptional clay-court prowess, managed to bounce back in the second set. After initially falling behind, she secured a crucial break to level the match, winning the set 6-3 and ending a streak of five consecutive sets lost to Ostapenko.
However, the momentum quickly shifted back in Ostapenko's favor in the deciding set. Swiatek found herself trailing 0-3 early on, and despite her best efforts to mount a comeback—including a critical break point in the seventh game—Ostapenko held firm. The match concluded after just under two hours and ten minutes, with Swiatek unable to find a way past her rival once again.
This defeat marks a significant moment for Swiatek, who has not reached a final since winning the French Open in June 2024. Her struggles against Ostapenko have raised questions about her form, especially given the latter's unique ability to unsettle her on the court. Ostapenko's victory also places her among an elite group of players who have won their first six matches against a former or future world No. 1, joining the likes of Gabriela Sabatini and Agnieszka Radwanska.
After the match, Ostapenko was asked about her success against Swiatek. "I think she hates playing against me, and I love facing her," she remarked, highlighting the competitive tension that has characterized their rivalry. She further acknowledged Swiatek's talent, saying, "She is a great clay-court player as well. But you know, I won French Open. So I can say about myself the same thing (smiling)." This blend of respect and rivalry has only added to the intrigue surrounding their encounters.
Looking ahead, Ostapenko will face Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semifinals. Alexandrova earned her spot by ousting third-seeded Jessica Pegula with a dominant 6-0, 6-4 victory. As Ostapenko prepares for this next challenge, her confidence will undoubtedly be bolstered by her recent performances, particularly her ability to consistently overcome Swiatek.
The Porsche Grand Prix has been a stage for thrilling tennis, and with Ostapenko's continued success, fans can expect more exciting matches as the tournament progresses. As she gears up for the semifinals, the question remains: can she maintain her winning streak and push for another title?
Ostapenko's victory over Swiatek not only solidifies her status as a formidable competitor on the WTA Tour but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of tennis. In a sport where momentum can shift in an instant, Ostapenko's ability to harness her strengths against a top player like Swiatek speaks volumes about her skill and determination.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Ostapenko as she seeks to extend her run and potentially capture another title, while Swiatek will be looking to regroup and find her form ahead of future competitions. The rivalry between these two players continues to captivate audiences, and their next meetings promise to be just as thrilling.
