Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko delivered a stunning performance in Stuttgart on Monday, overpowering world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-1 to claim the WTA 500 Stuttgart Tennis Grand Prix – her first singles title of the year and her first on clay since winning the French Open in 2017.
Coming into the tournament unseeded, Ostapenko bulldozed her way through the draw, including a statement win over world number two Iga Swiatek, before dominating Sabalenka in a one-sided final at the Porsche Arena.
Sabalenka, now a four-time runner-up in Stuttgart, struggled with her first serve and was outgunned from the baseline by Ostapenko’s trademark aggressive play.
“Congrats Aryna on a great week,” Ostapenko said during the trophy ceremony. “I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly,” she joked, referencing the sponsor’s luxury sports car awarded to the champion.
Despite the light-hearted moment, the match was a serious blow for Sabalenka, who once again fell short in the Stuttgart final after previous losses in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The Latvian made her intentions clear early, breaking Sabalenka in the opening game and maintaining relentless pressure throughout. Though Sabalenka fended off three break points at 4-2 in the first set, she was unable to match Ostapenko’s intensity and precision.
“This week has been amazing,” Ostapenko added. “Every time I come here I really enjoy it, and today I’m just really happy with how I played.”
With this victory, Ostapenko reasserts herself as a serious threat on clay ahead of the European claycourt swing and the upcoming French Open, where she will undoubtedly be one to watch.
