dailyloe.com – Jelena Ostapenko has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, preparing to face Sorana Cirstea. Ostapenko is on a revenge tour, having previously lost to her last three opponents. She was 0-8 against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Zheng Qinwen, and Anna Kalinskaya.
Ostapenko came back from a set down to defeat Ruse and Zheng, then defeated Kalinskaya decisively with a score of 6-1, 6-2 in just 70 minutes. This victory marks her fifth quarterfinal appearance in Rome.
“I think I’m improving every day, and I always knew I can beat everyone when I play my game,” Ostapenko said after her match against Kalinskaya. She noted the importance of working on her mental game to become a more dangerous player.
Despite her previous record against Kalinskaya, Ostapenko felt confident. She stated, “I honestly didn’t really care much. I know I’m a better player.” The match included a medical timeout for Kalinskaya, and there was no handshake at the end, which Ostapenko attributed to Kalinskaya’s choice.
“I was ready for all kinds of simulations with the physio calls and all these things,” Ostapenko remarked, acknowledging Kalinskaya’s tricky playing style aimed at disrupting rhythm. She expressed pride in her ability to manage the situation during the match.
Ostapenko praised the competitive atmosphere, saying, “I feel like there are so many great players, and we are respecting each other.” She acknowledged her emotional nature on the court but emphasized mutual respect among players.
She also appreciated the cozy environment of the Pietrangeli court, where she holds a 7-2 career record, including 3-0 this year. “The energy on that court is amazing,” Ostapenko noted, highlighting the supportive crowd.
