Smy Tennis News | Jelena Ostapenko Sets Stuttgart Final Clash with Aryna Sabalenka

Unseeded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko powered past Ekaterina Alexandrova to reach the Stuttgart final, setting up a title clash with top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who outlasted Jasmine Paolini in straight sets.

Unseeded Ostapenko Books Stuttgart Final Spot Against Sabalenka
Latvian charges into title match after beating Alexandrova; Sabalenka edges past Paolini

STUTTGART, Germany – Jelena Ostapenko continued her standout week at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals on Sunday. The Latvian will face world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in Monday's final.

Ostapenko, unseeded at the event, backed up her quarter-final win over Iga Swiatek with another strong performance. She broke Alexandrova in the opening game and, despite briefly being pegged back, regained control with powerful baseline hitting and a commanding forehand. The 27-year-old secured another early break in the second set and maintained her momentum to close out the match.

“I don’t know, but I feel amazing playing here,” Ostapenko said. “So pumped up. Those kinds of matches, winning three sets, gives you confidence. I was putting a lot of balls in. I am very happy with myself.”

Alexandrova, who upset Mirra Andreeva and Jessica Pegula earlier in the tournament, struggled to counter Ostapenko’s pace. Despite five Top 10 wins this season, she couldn't find answers against the Latvian’s shotmaking.

In the other semi-final, Aryna Sabalenka survived a tough challenge from Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to win 7-5, 6-4. Sabalenka, a three-time finalist in Stuttgart from 2021 to 2023, will return to the title match hoping to lift the trophy for the first time.

The Belarusian raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set, but Paolini fought back to 5-5 before Sabalenka sealed it 7-5. The second set saw Paolini break early to lead 3-0, but errors crept in and Sabalenka regrouped. She drew level at 3-3, then took the lead after Paolini netted a volley. A spectacular crosscourt forehand on match point finished the job.

“She makes me work, work for every point. She is a great player,” said Sabalenka. “It is hard to get the win. I was just trying to stay aggressive, to put as much pressure on her.”

Sabalenka and Ostapenko will meet for the eighth time, with their head-to-head currently tied at 4-4. The Stuttgart title clash promises a fierce encounter between two of the tour’s most aggressive players.