Sabalenka Denied Dream Porsche For Fourth Time As Ostapenko Beats Her In Stuttgart Final
NewsMonday, 21 April 2025 at 16:15
Aryna Sabalenka came close to winning her dream Porsche once again, but for the fourth time, she lost in the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, this time to Jelena Ostapenko.
Sabalenka is the highest-ranked player in the world, and that's why she's the favorite at every event that she enters. That wasn't the case a few years ago, but the Belarusian was always one of the dangerous players.
And when a dangerous player like that like conditions at some event, it shows. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart seems to be one of those places, as Sabalenka reached the final four times in the past five years.
She lost to Ashleigh Barty in 2021 and to Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2023. This year, the Belarusian made it to the final again and joked that previously she lost to the World No. 1 players, so she hoped that if she arrived this year as the World No. 1, she would finally manage to win the Porsche, which is given to the winner in Stuttgart.
But Ostapenko also wanted a brand-new car, and she played like it. Earlier in the tournament, the Latvian bested Iga Swiatek, showing how strong she can be.
In the final, Ostapenko started with a break of serve. After six games played, the 2017 French Open champion was up 4-2, and she even had three break points to go up 5-2. She couldn't use those chances, and it almost came back to bite her.
Sabalenka broke back in the following game, and at 4-4 and 40-30, the World No. 1 had a game point to lead for the first time in the match. But that never happened. Ostapenko won three consecutive points to break again, and then she also held her serve to win the opening set of the match 6-4.
Sabalenka was likely frustrated after losing the opening set, while Ostapenko grew in confidence. The Latvian player was great once again, not allowing her opponent to do almost anything on the court.
In an hour and 26 minutes, Ostapenko was able to win the match 6-4, 6-1, triumphing at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. After the final, she joked with Sabalenka, saying that the Belarusian will surely win the car in the future.
"Congrats Aryna. I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly. I’m sure you’ll get it another time. It’s great to share the court with you. You’re such a champion."
But Sabalenka doesn't want to wait. During her speech, the Belarusian joked that she luckily has enough money to afford the car anyway, so she will probably buy it.
"I want to congratulate Jelena and her team. Enjoy driving this beautiful car. I’m glad I can afford this car, after this final I’m gonna order one because this is the only way for me."
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