Jelena Ostapenko powered past world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka Monday to win the Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. In a contest between two of the best linear ballstrikers on the WTA Tour, Ostapenko outmaneuvered Sabalenka as well as outhitting her, squeaking through a tight first set before steaming away with the second in a 6-4, 6-1 triumph.
Ostapenko, who beat world No. 2 Iga Świątek for the sixth time in six meetings in the quarterfinals, decided the match with a run of 14 points in 17 in the middle part of the second set, as Sabalenka lost her range on her first serve. Ostapenko broke the world No. 1 four times in the second set, and ultimately won 20 of the last 24 points in the match.
Sabalenka, who has evolved her tennis since last year’s clay-court swing with a focus on drop shots and feel in the forecourt, found some success in bringing her opponent forward. But Ostapenko won the defensive battle from the baseline, using squash shots and eking out slices when stretched more effectively than Sabalenka. She won over 80 percent of points on her first serve, giving Sabalenka very few moments of vulnerability to exploit aside from one loose game in the second set in which Sabalenka broke to love.
Ostapenko responded with that extraordinary run of points to take the match back out of Sabalenka’s grasp. “You were just a better player than me today,” Sabalenka said of Ostapenko during the trophy ceremony. The Latvian, who rises to world No. 18 with the title, her first since the 2024 Linz Open in Austria, said that she just loves to play in Stuttgart. Her wins over Sabalenka and Świątek made her the first WTA player in 13 years to beat the world No. 1 and world No. 2 en route to a clay-court title.
“I’m waiting to come here the whole time,” Ostapenko said of the event in her winner’s speech. For Sabalenka, her run to the final extends her lead over Świątek at the top of the WTA rankings, but she has now lost three of the five finals she has played this year. She has only ever lost five times in Stuttgart — but four of those five defeats have come in finals.
Ostapenko’s remarkable journey to the title included victories over several formidable opponents. In the early rounds, she defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska (6-3, 3-0 ret.), American Emma Navarro, the No. 7 seed (7-5, 3-6, 6-2), and the second seed Iga Swiatek (6-3, 3-6, 6-2). Her semifinal match against Swiatek was particularly impressive, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Russian Anastasia Potapova (W/O), Belgian Elise Mertens (6-4, 6-1), and Italian Jasmine Paolini, the No. 5 seed (7-5, 6-4) to reach the final. Despite her strong performance throughout the tournament, Sabalenka could not find her rhythm against Ostapenko, who dominated the match.
In the final match, the intensity was palpable from the very first point. Ostapenko broke Sabalenka in the opening game after an exhilarating exchange of nine rallies. The two players held serve until the eighth game when Sabalenka broke back, showcasing her resilience. However, Ostapenko quickly reclaimed the lead by converting another break point, ultimately serving out the set after Sabalenka saved two set points.
The second set saw a drastic drop in Sabalenka’s serving efficiency. Ostapenko broke her opponent in the opening game yet again, but Sabalenka responded by breaking back immediately. From that point on, however, Ostapenko was unyielding, winning every game to clinch her first Stuttgart title in her career.
With this victory, Ostapenko not only secured her ninth title on the WTA Tour but also marked her first title on clay since her triumph at the 2017 French Open. The match lasted less than 90 minutes, with Ostapenko hitting four aces and converting six break points, proving her dominance on the court.
“Thanks to my team for always supporting me in good and bad days,” Ostapenko expressed during her victory speech. “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.”
As the dust settles in Stuttgart, both players are set to move on to the Madrid Open, where the WTA main draw begins on April 22, 2025. For Ostapenko, this title could be a significant stepping stone as she looks to continue her momentum in the upcoming tournaments. Meanwhile, Sabalenka will be eager to bounce back and reclaim her form as she heads into Madrid, aiming to solidify her position at the top of the WTA rankings.
In the end, Jelena Ostapenko’s victory at the Stuttgart Open not only highlights her incredible talent but also serves as a reminder of the fierce competition on the WTA Tour. With players like Ostapenko and Sabalenka pushing each other to new heights, the future of women’s tennis looks brighter than ever.
