Sabalenka sunk in straight-sets title loss to Ostapenko

Jelena Ostapenko rediscovered her clay-court touch after eight years on Monday and reaped the rewards with a 6-4, 6-1 defeat of Aryna Sabalenka to win the WTA Stuttgart title.

The final, which was delayed by a day due to no play on Good Friday, lasted for just 86 minutes as the Latvian who last won a clay title at Roland Garros in 2017 took command of the contest.

Ostapenko put the world No. 1 under heavy pressure breaking on six of her 11 chances against the Sabalenka serve.

The top seed has finished runner-up for a fourth time at the indoor event, missing out on a 20th career WTA singles title and third of the year; she lost to the 24th-ranked Ostapenko for the first time after three victories in the series.

As per tradition, the winner also leaves with a pricey new Porsche for the garage at home.

“I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly. I’m sure you’ll get it another time,” Osatpenko told her opponent at the trophy ceremony.

“It’s great to share the court with you. You’re such a champion.”

Sabalenka repaid the jibe with interest, saying she would likely just buy one for herself.

“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.”

Ostapenko improved to 12-9 this season and 4-0 against top 10 players – three of those wins came this week over Emma Navarro and Iga Swiatek along with Sabalenka. 

The Latvian unleashed her unpredictable game form 4-4 in the opening set, winning eight of the last nine games of the match. 

Sabalenka was crushed in the second set, winning a mere 10 points but remains atop the rankings, with the controversially expanded Madrid Masters start on Wednesday leaving players little time to pause..