Tennis

Aggressive Jelena Ostapenko overcomes Johanna Konta

Jelena Ostapenko said a more aggressive style of play helped her beat the in-form Johanna Konta and progress through to the quarter-finals of the Birmingham Classic.

The former French Open champion won in straight sets 6-3 6-4 to beat the British number one and continue her recent revival. The Latvian was as high as number five in the world in 2018 but has fallen to her current 37 having lost in the first rounds at both the Australian and the French Open so far this year.

However she was a semi-finalist at Wimbledon last year and is warming up well on grass in time for this year’s tournament, reaching the last eight in Birmingham where she will play the Croatia’s Petra Martic.

Ostapenko said afterwards that playing an aggressive game gave her the edge, saying: “It was a good match from my side. I had nothing to lose because Jo is in great form right now and she made the semis at the French Open.

“She is a very good player on grass. So I came into the match without any expectations, but I tried to play my game and be more aggressive.

“I think that helped me to win today to be more aggressive, so I didn’t really give her time to play her game.”

The win over Konta was completed in 79 minutes, Ostapenko winning the first three games to take control. Just the one break of serve was enough to clinch the set. She took a 3-1 lead in the second, and, though Konta broke back, the British player’s serve was broken once more to give the Latvian the advantage and the victory which takes her through to the last eight.

Ostapenko is priced at 8.00 to win the Birmingham Classic with Ashleigh Barty 3.30 and Naomi Osaka 4.33.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

NBA Referee Scott Foster Exits Knicks vs. Heat Game Due to Injury

Veteran NBA referee Scott Foster was forced to leave the game between the New York… Read More

March 19, 2025

Koundé Calls for Firm Action Against PSG Fans Over Insulting Banner

France defender Jules Koundé has urged authorities to take firm action against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)… Read More

March 19, 2025

Super Eagles resume training in Rwanda ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026… Read More

March 19, 2025

New Zealand beats Pakistan by five wickets to lead T20 Series 2-0

New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory over Pakistan on Tuesday in a rain-curtailed contest that… Read More

March 19, 2025

Newcastle hero delighted with national team call-up

England defender Dan Burn has expressed his pride and excitement after being called up to… Read More

March 19, 2025

Mbappé reveals why he was absent from France’s national team

Having been absent from France’s national team since the September international break, captain Kylian Mbappé… Read More

March 19, 2025