Ostapenko explains her dominance over Swiatek: "I know how to hurt her"

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She will never be the most consistent player on the circuit, but we have long stopped caring about that. Jelena Ostapenko's role is not to be the best in the world; she is content with proving that she can defeat the best, at least occasionally. The latest example was this Friday at the WTA 1000 in Doha with her fifth consecutive victory over Iga Swiatek, maintaining her undefeated record in their head-to-head matchups. It mattered little that the Polish player had claimed the crown in the last three seasons: when she steps onto the court with that confidence, she is simply unstoppable. And the 'worst' part is that she knows it, as she expressed in the post-match interview on the microphones of Tennis Channel, highlighting how well it suits her to face the player from Warsaw.

“The first thing I want to do is thank all the people for coming; undoubtedly, this court is very special to me, as if all that energy always ends up helping me. Today I felt very confident, when I stepped onto the court, I was aware that I could harm her, and that is reflected in the past matches we have had. I know perfectly how I should play, so I focused entirely on my tennis, on doing the right thing. I am very proud of how I managed to control my emotions throughout the week and, of course, very happy to be back in the final,” said the Riga native with an unerasable smile, delighted to reach her first final of the season.

The match, resolved in 70 minutes, revealed the helplessness of a Swiatek who runs out of ideas every time she faces Jelena. However, let's not be unfair, as there is very little to do against an opponent with that level of inspiration. Ostapenko ended up leading all the serving statistics, but she also displayed better numbers in winners (24-7) and even fewer unforced errors (15-17). So, if you hit more and make fewer mistakes, the equation is solved quickly. A match that touched perfection where the script was never deviated from, constantly threatening from the return against the one who, theoretically, is the best returner on the circuit. Not today, certainly. With a record of 5/10 on break points, the feeling is that the 6-3, 6-1 final score could have been even more punishing for the player from Warsaw.

DOHA, A SPECIAL PLACE FOR JELENA

One victory in four tournaments, that was Ostapenko's record before landing in Doha. Eliminated in the opening rounds of Brisbane, the Australian Open, and Abu Dhabi. Her only triumph came in Adelaide, where she defeated Frech before falling to Keys. However, the wind has changed direction this week, reminding of her numbers in an event that has always suited her. She was already the runner-up here in 2016, almost a decade ago when she lost to Carla Suárez in three sets. Additionally, in doubles, she has a title (2018) and three finals (2020, 2021, 2023). Perhaps destiny has a score to settle for her in this event, although sports never understood justice based on the number of attempts. Tomorrow, against Alexandrova or Anisimova, the 27-year-old player will seek the ninth individual title of her career, although it would be her first in the WTA 1000 category. If this one also doesn't turn out to be the definitive one, surely it won't be due to a lack of confidence.

“I don't know what it is, it's something special, but it's a place I hold dear. When the season starts, a part of me is eagerly looking forward to this week, it's always a pleasure to come back here and have the opportunity to play my best tennis. I like everything about Doha, from the place where we stay to the atmosphere in the stands during the matches. Everything is great, and I feel that the facilities for the players improve every season. It's an absolute pleasure to be here once again,” emphasized Jelena, who will undoubtedly emerge strengthened from this adventure regardless of the outcome.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ostapenko explica su dominio sobre Swiatek: “Sé cómo hacerle daño”