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Ostapenko Claims Roland Garros Title

Jun 10th 2017

Capping off a remarkable fortnight in Paris, unseeded Jelena Ostapenko defeated Simona Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to win the French Open women’s singles championship.

In a drama-filled match, Ostapenko rallied from what appeared to be an inevitable defeat to win her first WTA Tour title.

In the early stages of the match, Halep did what she needed to gain control. She played solid defense against the aggressive 20-year-old and capitalized on some key errors, taking control of the match as she won the first set.

Simona Halep

The three-seed continued to build off her early success sprinting out to a 3-0 lead in the second set. However, the Latvian stayed true to her aggressive style ripping shots from both wings to pressure Halep and control points.  She was relentless in her attack whether ahead or behind and her fearless play turned the match around as she won four straight games in the set, breaking the Romanian twice during that stretch. She broke once more later to secure the set, closing it out on her racket.

Halep looked to regain momentum again in the third set as she broke Ostapenko’s serve to take a 3-1 advantage. That would be the last game Halep would win in the match as the youngster ran off five-straight games to close out the match as she finished her improbable run.

With the win, Ostapenko became the first unseeded player to win the title at Roland Garros since 1933.

Jelena Ostapenko

Underscoring her aggressive style, Ostapenko finished with 54 winners and 54 unforced errors and Halep would only strike 8 winners in the match as play was consistently on the Latvian’s racket.

I think I cannot believe I am the Roland Garros champion and I’m only 20 years of age,” Ostapenko said. I have no words. It was my dream. I’m really, really happy. I knew that Simona is a great player. I was just trying to fight for every point even when I was down 6-4, 0-3 and again in the third set at 1-3. I’m so glad it went my way.”

With the win, Ostapenko moves up 35 spots in the world rankings to number 12. Despite her loss, Halep will climb to world no. 2.

Assessing her opponent’s play Halep said, “At some points, I was like a spectator on the court.” She admitted that the defeat would be difficult to get over but still showed signs of optimism for her future, “It was tough,” Halep said. “I was very close to take the first Grand Slam and also No. 1 in the world. So, it was a little bit of, like, emotional moment, but that's it. I think everyone has it, and it's good. I want to have many more, if it's possible. That's why I work 20 years and played 20 years to have this moment.”

Halep and Ostapenko

The women will now turn to the grass courts to prepare for Wimbledon which is less than a month away. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal will face Stan Wawrinka for the men’s title on Sunday.