Australian Open 2023 news, Caroline Wozniacki vs Jelena Ostapenko comments, feud, Ajla Tomjlanovic history
Former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki seemingly let slip on her feud with Latvian star Jelena Ostapenko while commentating the world No.17’s fourth-round match.
Ostapenko, 25, caused an upset by knocking out No.7 Coco Gauff in straight sets on Margaret Court Arena on Sunday.
During the match, Wozniacki was commentating for ESPN when she said of Ostapenko: “Let’s just say I practiced with her once and chose not to do so again”.
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It’s no secret the Latvian has developed a reputation on tour, and it’s one that doesn’t readily make her friends with her fellow professionals.
During the 2021 Wimbledon tournament, she had an ugly run-in with Aussie player Ajla Tomljanovic.
Tomljanovic took exception to Ostapenko being afforded a medical timeout, accusing her of “lying”.
The pair then traded words after a frosty handshake when Tomljanovic won the match.
”If you think I’m faking, you can talk to the physio,” Ostapenko said.
Tomljanovic replied: “I hope you feel better.”
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Ostapenko, while walking away: “Your behaviour is terrible, terrible.”
Tomljanovic: “You’re the one to talk.”
Ostapenko: “You have zero respect, yes?”
Tomljanovic: “Honestly, you’re one to talk.”
Ostapenko: “What? So bad, so bad. The worst player on the tour.”
Dellacqua backs Tomljanovic blow-up
After that ugly exchange, former Australian WTA player Casey Dellacqua let slip about how Ostapenko is viewed by her rivals.
“Ostapenko’s got a reputation, I believe, of not being the fairest competitor on tour,” Dellacqua said on Nine’s Sports Sunday at the time.
Ostapenko has been labelled a villain, but the tag seems to amuse her rather than deter her in any way.
Following her win over Gauff on Sunday, she was asked: “Do you think it would be good for the sport if more players were like you?”
“With me it’s never boring on the court, so I think that’s what the fans like,” Ostapenko replied.
“Of course, sometimes I can go a little bit too much, but I’m an emotional person in general. So it’s always hard to find this balance.
“As I always said, it’s easy to judge from the outside, but when you are on my place, it’s a little bit different. All the people are different.
“Somebody is more calm. Somebody is more emotional. So I try to find a balance… I feel like this week is a bit better.”
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