2017 champion Ostapenko shocks second seed Pliskova in straight sets
Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko marched into the third round of the 2020 tournament after ousting second seed Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-2.
Jelena Ostapenko, Roland-Garros 2020
- Roland-Garros, second round
- OSTAPENKO d. PLISKOVA (2) 6-4, 6-2
- Key info: Ostapenko hit 27 winners en route to victory, breaking Pliskova five times
- You will also learn: Ostapenko will play either Sloane Stephens or Paola Badosa in Round 3
- Why read this story: Despite winning the title in 2017, Ostapenko has failed to live up to expectations, but once again seems to be finding her best form on clay.
She's back!@JelenaOstapenk8 ousts No.2 seed Pliskova 6-4 6-2.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/VhG5vLYQzO
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 1, 2020
Ostapenko mixed up her usual powerful groundstrokes with clever variation to take the first set 6-4, breaking her opponent three times despite being broken twice herself.
Pliskova had perhaps been fortunate to scrape through her opening round match after finding herself in big trouble against Egyptian qualifier Mayar Sherif. But this time the Czech had no answer to the barrage of balls coming back from the other side of the net, Ostapenko breaking immediately in the second before breaking again and closing out the match on her serve.
2017 champion @JelenaOstapenk8 is in fine form at #RolandGarros and takes the first set against @KaPliskova 💪
🇫🇷 #RG20 LIVE
📺 Eurosport 1
📱💻 Uninterrupted coverage: https://t.co/BQ9TSbzKlo pic.twitter.com/SNuZAh3cnw— Eurosport (@eurosport) October 1, 2020
“In the beginning it was very tough, she was serving very well. I knew before the match that I had to serve well and just be aggressive when I can and not miss many balls. Obviously, she is No. 2 and a great player, so I knew it was going to be tough and I was just trying to focus and try to play aggressive and not miss so many. Obviously, I needed to bring the best tennis I can play to beat her.”
How far can Ostapenko go after that performance? Judging by the Latvian’s confident frame of mind, she could well be on for another special run.
“It’s an amazing court and finally we can have some fans. Of course it doesn’t feel like it does in the final with a full stadium, but still I’m very grateful to play here and on this court. I have great memories, so this atmosphere helps me to play better.”
Victory for Ostapenko means she faces Paula Badosa next for a place in the fourth round after the Spaniard took down Sloane Stephens in three sets.
