Ostapenko wins French Open

PARIS: Jelena Ostapenko overpowered title favourite Simona Halep to become one of the most surprising grand slam champions of all time.

The 20-year-old, ranked 47, had never been beyond the third round at a grand slam before nor won a senior title.

But she was unfazed, hitting 54 winners in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory to become the first Latvian ever to win a grand slam singles crown.

Ostapenko is the first unseeded player to win the women’s singles title at Roland Garros in the Open era.

When she drilled a final backhand winner down the line, Ostapenko dropped her racket to the clay and held her arms aloft in delight and disbelief.

She said: “I think I cannot believe I’m the Roland Garros champion. I’m only 20 years old. I’m really happy. I have no words, it was my dream.”

Ostapenko had blasted her way into the final on the back of 245 winners - more than any other player in the draw, man or woman.

But Ostapenko had made nearly as many errors and the challenge for her was to keep the ratio in her favour.

This was the classic contrast of styles, with Halep a superb mover and defender, but ultimately aggression won out.

What was most remarkable was how Ostapenko defied her lack of experience to fight back from a seemingly hopeless position.

Halep, beaten by Maria Sharapova in the final here in 2014, had been the favourite from the start pf the tournament and looked to be cruising at a set and 3-0, with points for 4-0.

But Ostapenko trusted in her game and then came from behind again in the decider, winning the final five games.

She said: “I knew Simona is a great player and she was playing great. I was just trying to stay aggressive.

“I was missing but a couple of games were decisive and everything turned my way. Even in the third I was 3-1 down but I tried to fight for every point.”

After the match, a charmingly giggly Ostapenko speaks on court. She can barely stop grinning.

“I cannot believe I’m Roland Garros champion at only 20 years old. I love to play here, and it’s just so amazing to be here.

“I knew the history and that on day I was born Gustavo Kuerten won his first Roland Garros title. I’m so happy, I have no words. It was just my dream. I’m really really happy.

“[Coming back from a set and 3-0 down] I knew that Simona is a great player and she was playing great. I was missing but I kept playing aggressive and playing my game. I was 3-1 down but I kept fighting.

“I still cannot believe I won this. It was always my dream, and to be here and win it is just amazing. I just love it so much.

“Thanks all my team, especially my mum and my agent and to everyone who’s supported me this week. I’m so happy, thank you guys.” IANS