Fiery Latvian Jelena Ostapenko has collected silverware on the cusp of the Australian Open, sending her rivals an ominous reminder by conquering the Adelaide International.
The 2017 Roland-Garros champion breezed through Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in the women’s singles final on Saturday night, grabbing a 6-3, 6-2 win.
The previous match between Ostapenko and Kasatkina had played host to one of Ostapenko’s many ill-tempered dramas, with the grand slam champion unloading on a chair umpire at the 2023 Italian Open over a line call.
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“You will never be at another one of my matches,” Ostapenko told chair umpire Marija Cicak in a tense argument.
Saturday night’s final in Adelaide played out in far cooler scenes, but Kasatkina alluded to the line call controversy in her post-match speech.
“Well, I must say that we had our issues with you before, but now I’m really happy that we can be on the same stage and in a peaceful environment,” Kasatkina said.
“I think that’s great.
“Also, congrats to your team. You’re doing an amazing job. Keep going and good luck for the Australian Open.”
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Ostapenko extended respect to Kasatkina in her victory speech.
“I hope we will play many more finals with you as we’re good friends and it’s a pleasure to share a court with you,” Ostapenko said.
“Of course, I wish you good luck for next week at the Australian Open.”
Former US Open finalist Caroline Garcia was among the women Ostapenko defeated on her title-winning Adelaide International run.
Ostapenko will begin her Melbourne Park campaign against Australian Kimberley Birrell on Tuesday.
On the same day, Kasatkina will get her tournament under way against American Peyton Stearns.
