What they say
“I can’t believe I am the French Open champion at just 20. It’s amazing.”
Jelena Ostapenko
Fan to Ostapenko: “Can I have your racket?
Ostapenko: “No, sorry. I need it to play.”
“Jelena, all the credit for what you have done. It’s an amazing thing. Be happy and keep it going, because you’re like a kid.”
Simona Halep
“Jelena Ostapenko. Wow! What a place to win your first singles title. Congrats on your victory. #powerhouse#astarisborn.”
on Twitter
Billie Jean King,
@billiejeanking “Craaaaaaazy omg.”
Fellow player Daria Gavrilova @Daria_gav
“What a fearless performance by Jelena #Ostapenko. Well done.”
Stan Wawrinka’s coach Magnus Norman
“Wow. #JelenaOstapenko. That was a fight! #FRENCHOPEN2017.”
British cycling star Mark Cavendish
Stats and facts
Key facts
“I was very close to winning my first Grand Slam and becoming No 1 in the world, so it was a little bit emotional” said Halep, who reached the final by saving a match point against Elina Svitolina in the semis.
“I think everyone has those moments, and it’s good. I want to have many more if it’s possible. That’s why I have worked 20 years to have this moment.”
It was a second final loss in four years for Halep, who was hoping to become just the sixth player to win both the girls’ and women’s singles titles in Paris.
“This one hurts a lot maybe because I realize more what is happening,” said Halep, who will return to No 2 in the world rankings this week. * The last woman to win her debut tour-level title at a Grand Slam was Barbara Jordan at the 1979 Australian Open. * The last player to win their debut title at Roland Garros was Gustavo Kuerten, who lifted the title on June 8, 1997 — the day Ostapenko was born. * At 20 years and two days, Ostapenko is the youngest first-time Grand Slam champion since Svetlana Kuznetsova won the 2004 US Open. * Ostapenko is the first Latvian Grand Slam champion and the youngest major champion since Maria Sharapova at 2006 US Open.
By the numbers 4 — Ostapenko has vaulted to No 4 in the rankings for the end-of-season WTA Championships. 8— fewest Grand Slam main draw appearances before winning a debut Slam title since Maria Sharapova at 2004 Wimbledon on what was her seventh appearance. 54/54 — winners and unforced errors for Ostapenko.