Jelena Ostapenko admits that she is always more motivated to beat an opponent she «doesn’t like». Ostapenko never shies away from revealing his true feelings, and his attitude sometimes annoys his opponents.
«When I play someone I don’t like, I really want to beat them. That makes me want to leave everything on the court. Players can work in different ways if you don’t like someone and they’re like your ‘enemy.’
Some can get distracted, excited and angry very quickly. I am the type of person who focuses even more in those types of situations,» Ostapenko said. CLAY Tennis magazine.
Ostapenko on not liking her on the WTA Tour
Ostapenko, 25 years old, has a bit of a reputation and it is not a secret that she is not among the most likeable players in the locker room.
In January, Caroline Wozniacki revealed that she «practiced once with Ostapenko and never again.» When Donna Vekic read Wozniacki’s comments, the Croat tweeted: «Hahah, I love you Caroline.» Last week in Abu Dhabi, Apparently, Danielle Collins got very upset with Ostapenko and his team..
Clay Tennis asked Ostapenko if she enjoys those moments when her opponents get upset with her attitude. “Not that I enjoy it. I just try not to waste my energy on things I shouldn’t. Once I’m on the court, I try to focus on myself, not see what’s going on around me, not get distracted.
If you waste your energy on something else, it will be difficult to bring it to the court,» Ostapenko explained. In the meantime, Ostapenko is set to compete in Dubai. In the first round in Dubai, Ostapenko will play Katarina Zavatska.
Last year, Ostapenko captured his first title in Dubai after beating Veronika Kudermetova in the final. On his way to winning Dubai last year, Ostapenko beat four Grand Slam champions. Whether Ostapenko can defend his Dubai title this year remains to be seen.
