"I honestly haven't really doubted it" - Ostapenko on chances of winning 2nd Grand Slam
WTA
Jelena Ostapenko won her first Grand Slam title at 20 years old, but she couldn't add any quarter-final at a major since 2018, until the 2023 Australian Open.
Back in 2017, Ostapenko entered the Top 10 for the first time in her career, but she couldn't stay there as she finished outside of the Top 20 every season since then.
Last year, the Latvian player finished 18th on the WTA, and she started the 2023 season in the best way possible. She will play her first Grand Slam quarter-final in five years, and she can close up on the Top 10 as she's projected to be at least 11th after the major in Melbourne.
Asked whether she thinks she could win another Grand Slam title, Ostapenko beamed with confidence, saying she never doubted her abilities to do that.
"I honestly haven't really doubted it. I always knew and believed in my game. If I play well, I can beat almost anyone."
The Latvian then opened up about what was the most difficult part for her after winning her maiden Grand Slam title and how it affected her performance. She said that people had very high expectations after her triumph at the French Open.
"Everybody expected you almost to win every single tournament, which is crazy, because you are still a human and you cannot feel great every day. I needed some time to get used to it. Of course, a lot of attention from everywhere outside the court, like photo shoots and all those kind of things."
"You become more popular in your country. Everybody is watching you. Of course it's great, but I needed some time to get used to it. I'm just more hungry now to win another Grand Slam and just to play well, to be back in the top 10 and just to play consistent."
