(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Jelena Ostapenko paid special tribute to Serena Williams after beating Venus Williams in Birmingham. In the Birmingham round-of-16, 26-year-old Ostapenko defeated 43-year-old Venus 6-3 5-7 6-3. After the match, world No 17 Ostapenko recalled idolizing Venus’ younger sister growing up.
“My idol was always Serena. I was always watching her. The way she was on the court, firing it up and all the emotions. I really love it. I think that’s what makes tennis a great game. I’m a little bit older now but I still have some experience.
I hope I can be an idol for some kids,” Ostapenko said, via The Tennis Letter.
Ostapenko pays tribute to Serena & Venus Williams
Ostapenko also showed massive respect and appreciation for Venus, calling her “a great champion.” “She’s a great champion and that hasn’t gone anywhere.
That’s always going to be with her. It’s great to play against players like her. She’s an idol to a lot of people so it was very special. Maybe that’s why I got a little bit tight in the second set,” Ostapenko said. Ostapenko appeared to be heading toward a straight-set win over Venus but then things got complicated for the Latvian.
After winning…
