Ostapenko thrills crowd with Korea Open victory

Jelena Ostapenko lived up to top billing in Seoul, triumphing at the Korea Open with an enthralling victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia in the final.

Ostapenko, the top seed, reigning Roland Garros champion and newest member of the top 10, stopped her Brazilian opponent 6-7(5) 6-1 6-4 in two hours and 15 minutes.

“In the second set, I tried to forget the first, and just show my best and fight. I was moving better, missing a little bit less,” Ostapenko said.

“Both of us were tense, as it’s a final and a special day … but both of us were playing very aggressive and the match was good for a final.”

The capacity crowd were on the edge of their seats throughout the shot-making spectacle, with Ostapenko’s pure ball striking matched by Haddad Maia’s heavy, left-handed game.

After dropping the first set and flinging her racquet in disgust, Ostapenko broke for 2-0 in the second set with a fearsome backhand winner, revving up the crowd with her arms.

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The fans in Seoul really took to Ostapenko, packing out the stands for most of her matches, holding signs in support of her and calling her “Osta” – which in Korean translates to “attack”.

It seemed apt given how the young Latvian plays – she motored through the second set, moved ahead 5-4 in the third with a searing crosscourt forehand winner, and then closed out the match with a forehand winner up the line.

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— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) September 24, 2017

According to Korean news outlet Yonhap, the final was the tournament’s first sell-out in 13 years, with 9,000 spectators attending.

“I’m very happy, this week was very special. It was my first time here and I’m very happy to play here,” said Haddad Maia, who was appearing in her first WTA final.

“The atmosphere was amazing. This match was really tight. Both of us were playing very well. She’s a very good player, I know her from juniors.

“It was very nice to have two players fighting for all the points, and it was a good experience.”