JelenaOstapenko

Jelena Ostapenko, also known as Alona, began playing tennis at age 5 by her mother and coach, Jelena Jakovleva. Growing up she also competed in ballroom dancing going to the National Latvian Championships for Ballroom Dancing. At age 12, she chose to focus on tennis and credits her good coordination and skilled footwork to her years of dancing. In 2014 she won the Girls Singles title at Wimbledon and reached the No. 2 junior ranking. After a couple years on tour, she had a breakout year in 2017 when she won the Women's Singles French Open title over Simona Halep being the first Latvian to win a grand slam and first unseeded women to win the title since 1933. She's had her most success at the French Open, but her favorite tournament is Wimbledon. She claimed her first pro victory at Wimbledon and reached the Women's Singles Semifinals at Wimbledon in 2018. Jelena's favorite shots are the serve and backhand. Her idol is Serena Williams, and she enjoys spending time with her parents, dog and friends.