Jelena Ostapenko is one of the more notably charismatic on-court players on the WTA Tour.
Ostapenko won the Stuttgart title last month, beating top two seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to do so.
The Latvian has a very dominant record over the five-time major winner in particular, with Ostapenko unbeaten against Swiatek having played her six times.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka recently called Ostapenko her favourite player, but she can often divide opinion due to her on-court behaviour.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesJelena Ostapenko gives her honest feelings about Serena Williams
In an interview with Roland Garros ahead of the clay court major, Ostapenko was asked about her facial expressions on court.
Ostapenko responded by suggesting that she has no intention of changing her approach, and does not enjoy watching players who do not show their emotions.
“I honestly always like in general, when I watch sports, I always liked emotional people, the people who always show and share their emotions,” said Ostapenko.
“I don’t really like people who are just walking and just not showing much emotions, because for me, it’s so boring to watch those people doing sports. So I’m really like myself always on the court. And I think that’s what people like about me.”
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
One WTA player in particular who was known for expressing their emotions on court was Serena Williams, sometimes resulting in criticism.
However, Ostapenko believes that Williams is the best in that department and admitted that she was a big fan of the now retired 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“I think Serena is the best so far,” said Ostapenko. “She’s like all those emotions, I love them.”
Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty ImagesCan Jelena Ostapenko challenge for the Roland Garros title this year?
Not only is Ostapenko an extremely expressive player, but she is also a Grand Slam champion in both singles and doubles.
Her singles major triumph came as a teenager at Roland Garros in 2017, and it seems that Ostapenko believes she can challenge in Paris once again.
“I mean, for sure,” said Ostapenko. “I always knew I can play well on clay court and I know how to move and slide. I just need to focus on the things I have to do.”
However, the world number 21 will have to do something differently to recent years, with Ostapenko unable to go past the third round of Roland Garros since the year she won the title.
Ostapenko and the rest of the WTA field will discover their fates when the Roland Garros draw is made on Thursday May 22.
The main draw of Roland Garros will get underway on Sunday May 25.