Jelena Ostapenko slams ‘disrespectful’ Miami Open crowd in interview
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Jelena Ostapenko fired back at the Miami Open crowd over their behaviour during her round-of-32 win against Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Latvian star labelled the spectators at Miami Gardens’ Grandstand ‘disrespectful’ after dumping out the 13th seed on Saturday.
Ostapenko battled to a 6-2 4-6 6-3 triumph to book her spot in the last 16 but complained to the umpire during the match about distractions by those in the stands.
The 25-year-old described the crowd’s antics like they were watching a football match rather than tennis and fired a cheeky dig at them in her post-match interview.
She said: “I’m really happy today to win. Of course, the crowd was mostly against me. A little bit disrespectful, but thanks, guys, for those who were supporting me.”
Ostapenko also insisted that crowds going ‘against’ her only helps produce stronger performances as she eyes her first singles title of 2023.
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Jelena Ostapenko calling the crowd disrespectful and then smiling at them right after is such a mood.
This woman can do no wrong. pic.twitter.com/eVFhaEyKln
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 25, 2023
“I felt like some moments I didn’t play aggressively because the ball really stops here,” Ostapenko added.
“You always really have to go for the ball. I’m just really glad I won it because I really wanted to win. The crowd doesn’t know: if they are against me, I play even better.”
Ostapenko continued her dominance against Haddad Maia in the United States, boasting a 4-0 record and 6-0 including junior meetings.
She will face Italy’s Martina Trevisan in the last 16 on Monday after reaching the fourth stage of the Miami Open for just the second time.
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Away from Ostapenko, it was a day of mixed fortunes for top WTA players.
Anastasia Potapova claimed the biggest win of her career, beating Coco Gauff, the Miami Open sixth seed, 6-7(8) 7-5 6-2.
Elena Rybakina’s hunt for a sunshine double after winning Indian Wells continues after she defeated Paula Badosa 3-6 7-5 6-3.
The world No 7 is enjoying a 10-match win streak ahead of her last-16 battle with Elise Mertens.
Third seed Jessica Pegula also sealed safe passage into the next round with a 6-1 7-6(0) triumph over fellow American Danielle Collins.
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