Jelena Ostapenko 'ready' for 2024 Australian Open after dominant Adelaide International triumph
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Published 13/01/2024 at 15:47 GMT
Jelena Ostapenko will return into the world's top 10 after defeating Daria Kasatkina in straight sets in the Adelaide International final. The 26-year-old admitted she was feeling "ready" for the Australian Open after the victory, with her opening match at the Grand Slam against Kim Birrell on Tuesday. The 2024 Australian Open will be live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com.
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Jelena Ostapenko said she is “ready” for the 2024 Australian Open after winning the Adelaide International.
She looked comfortable against Daria Kasatkina in the final of the WTA 500 tournament, triumphing 6-3 6-2.
Kasatkina appeared off the pace throughout the encounter, something that could be attributed to her route to the final.
The world No. 15 was awarded a walkover through both the quarter-finals and semi-finals after her scheduled opponents withdrew, meaning she hadn’t played since her round-of-16 win against Anna Kalinskaya.
“Sometimes it’s just better to get matches and be in the rhythm of matches,” said Ostapenko.
“She [Kasatkina] didn’t play for two days so sometimes when you are in the tournament it’s maybe also a disadvantage. It just depends on every player individually.”
The victory will see Ostapenko back in the world's top 10 for the first time in more than five years when the rankings are updated.
This makes her one to watch heading into the 2024 Australian Open, which will be shown live on Eurosport and discovery+ from Sunday.
Ostapenko will take on home favourite Kim Birrell in the first round of the Grand Slam.
“I’m not trying to put any pressure on myself and not play with any expectations, just take one match at a time,” the 26-year-old said.
“I still want to enjoy this victory. It’s going to be short, but I want to enjoy it a few days and when I get to Melbourne, I will be ready for the tournament.”
Ostapenko reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in 2020 and will be hoping to go even further at this year’s competition.
She has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024 season, reaching the quarter-finals of the singles tournament at the Brisbane International, and winning the doubles tournament alongside Lyudmyla Kichenok.
“I’m playing aggressive and I feel like I’m playing more consistent and I’m more mature as a player,” Ostapenko said.
“It’s just the beginning of the year but I will work harder to be back in the top 10 and top five and stay there.”
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