(Tennis news) An inspired Jelena Ostapenko dispatched Emma Raducanu 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the Stuttgart Open in an hour and will now take on third seed ONS Jabeur in the next round. It was Raducanu’s 5th defeat in the 2023 season so far, having been beaten by Bianca Andreescu in three sets at the Miami Open in March. Ostapenko put up a stellar performance, converting all five break points and won 80% of her first serve points and 74% of second serve points.

Speaking after the match, Ostapenko said “I think I played really well and didn’t give her many chances. I knew of course she’s a great player and it would be a tough match. I’m always ready for a battle. It’s great to be back in Stuttgart. It’s a really nice atmosphere here.” Despite both players holding their serve comfortably, as Ostapenko began getting momentum, she went on to set up a break point in the third game which she converted with a fantastic backhand return. 

The Latvian tennis player managed to get a 4-1 lead in the second break thanks to another forehand winner while Raducanu struggled to deal with the pace and intensity, being caught out by her touch as Ostapenko went on to secure the next game. The 2021 US Open winner stopped the rot to make it 5-2  but Ostapenko went on to serve for the set and won the first set 6-2 in less than half an hour.

Raducanu knew that she needed to step up and fast, prompting the British player to win the first six points of the second set. She held on to her serve impressively and established a 30-0 lead in the second game but Ostapenko then bounced back to take 16 consecutive points to go 4-1 up. Raducanu was unable to take her first break point of the match in the next game while Ostapenko went on to secure a comfortable victory.

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