Jelena’s girl power puts Andy in shade
JELENA OSTAPENKO fired her way into the French Open Final by hitting her forehand harder than Andy Murray. The Latvian celebrated her 20th birthday in style as she hit 50 winners to beat Timea Bacsinszky 7-6 3-6 6-3 in the semis yesterday. And 2014 Wimbledon junior champion Ostapenko’s massive forehand – which has averaged 76mph here, 3mph faster than the men’s No.1 – will be a huge threat
NEIL McLEMAN
as she bids to win seal first title against Romania’s Simona Halep. The world No.47 said: “I always play aggressive and try to hit the ball when I have the chance. It helped me win. “My backhand is my favourite shot. But I was working on the forehand and it’s pretty good now. I feel more confident with my forehand now.” Ostapenko is playing in only her eighth Grand Slam and has yet to win a WTA Tour event. The last player to win their first title at Roland Garros was Gustavo Kuerten on June 8, 1997 – the day the Latvian was born. But 18-time Grand Slam winner Chris Evert believes Ostapenko has what it takes to triumph. He said: “We’re witnessing something very special in this young lady. I like her hunger and you can see it on her face, she really wants this badly.” There’s guaranteed to be a first time Slam winner after Halep’s 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over No.2 seed Karolina Pliskova in the other semi. Halep, who can become the new world No.1, said: “It will be tough. I’m playing a young player who is playing well. She’s fighting to the end but so am I. Hopefully the final is great.”