Ostapenko Rolls To Fifth Title in Dubai, Shares Two Major Goals

Desert dominance is inspiring main aspirations in Jelena Ostapenko.

The 2017 Roland Garros champion conquered 4 consecutive Grand Slam champions—Sofia Kenin, Iga Swiatek, Petra Kvitova and Simona Halep, rallying from a set down within the final three matches—to achieve the Dubai Obligation Free Tennis Championships ultimate.

Ostapenko saved her greatest for the ultimate blitzing Veronika Kudermetova 6-0, 6-4 to seize her fifth profession title at the moment.

Afterward, the 24-year-old Latvian shared her major objectives: Win one other Grand Slam and return to the High 10.

“In fact, my objectives are massive: to win in one other Grand Slam and to be again in high 10,” Ostapenko instructed the media in Dubai. “In fact, I didn’t anticipate that I’ll have such an amazing starting of the yr. Not like I didn’t anticipate, however I by no means thought of it.

“I did pre-season. I used to be working exhausting. I feel, yeah, I’m enjoying effectively and getting some confidence, which is nice.”

Ostapenko is already closing on a kind of objectives. She arrived in Dubai ranked No. 21 and rises to No. 13 in the live rankings after a superb week.

The previous world No. 5 has gained eight of her final 9 matches and believes the very best is but to return. You may perceive why Ostapenko’s confidence is prospering. Along with her singles success, Ostapenko and accomplice Lyudmyla Kichenok reached the Dubai doubles ultimate bowing to the staff of Kudermetova and Elise Mertens.

Doubles play has helped Ostapenko sharpen her penchant for acute angles and in addition helped her shore up her serve, which might delve into patches of double faults prior to now.

“After I’m within the ultimate, I all the time need to win as a result of, as many individuals say, individuals keep in mind solely winners,” Ostapenko mentioned. “It’s all the time, like, annoying to lose within the ultimate. I actually was focusing, actually prepared for a battle at the moment. Very targeted the entire match I feel, particularly at first. I imply, I performed rather well.

“Yeah, it’s simply nice to complete the week with a title, particularly in singles.”