Jelena Ostapenko opens up about idolising Serena Williams since early age

Jelena Ostapenko is developing as a rising star in the women’s tennis world. Her performance in Indian Wells was commendable and impressive, and she has progressed to the final four.

Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia has advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Indian Wells tournament. She defeated numerous great players along the way, including Yulia Putintseva and Shelby Rogers.

But it was in the round of 16 against former French Open winner Iga Swiatek when she won her biggest match. Ostapenko defeated Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.

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Jelena Ostapenko. Source: canberratimes.com

Serena Williams is a role model for Jelena Ostapenko

She professed her admiration for Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, in a press conference following the quarter-finals. Furthermore, Ostapenko has praised Williams’ gaming approach on multiple occasions.

“Of course, Serena, I was, I love the way she played and, I mean she’s still playing now but yeah, she was like my idol, I think.

“She was the one I was looking up and she was playing very aggressive and it was very nice and entertaining to watch her she has like a lot of emotions when she plays.”

Jelena Ostapenko has qualified for the Indian Wells last four. She’ll play Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, in the competition’s semi-finals.

Azarenka advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Jessica Pegula of the United States.

Furthermore, the former World No. 1 is enraged since she hasn’t dropped a set on her journey to the semis.

Read More: Williams admits that juggling tennis, business and motherhood is difficult – “Stress management important”

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