Ostapenko Booed During Tense First-Round Clash
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Ostapenko issued an immediate apology to the crowd after being booed during her opening match against British wildcard Harriet Dart on day one of the Championships. The Latvian, who reached the last four in 2018, provoked spectators at the changeover at 4-3 in the decisive third set, prompting jeers from those watching on Court 1.
Ostapenko claimed the opening set 6-3 but surrendered the second 3-6 and had just been broken back by Dart — courtesy of a double-fault — when the incident unfolded. Commentator Chris Bradnam said: "Ostapenko is quite happy to pick a fight. She's taking on over 12,000."
Navratilova Weighs In on the Controversy
Co-commentator and former Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova offered her assessment: "Not a good idea but I think she's used to that. They're not applauding the fact that she double-faulted, they're applauding that Harriet Dart broke serve and it's back on serve. So these days it's expected but it still gets frustrating."
Earlier in the contest, Navratilova had criticised Ostapenko for raising her racket above her head while Dart was preparing to serve. "Why is Ostapenko holding up her racket? Why is she holding it up? [Huge groan]. Seriously!? The umpire should have called her up on that. There is no reason for Ostapenko to be holding up her racket," Navratilova said. It later emerged that a mobile phone in the crowd had caused the disruption.
Ostapenko Prevails in Three Sets
Despite the tension, Ostapenko managed to push the boos aside and sealed a dramatic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory. After the match, she made light of the exchange with supporters during her on-court interview. "I'm probably not the one who you wanted to win but thank you it was a really nice atmosphere," Ostapenko said. "Sorry if I was a little bit emotional but I feel like the first round is always tough especially when you face somebody from here."
She added: "I was not playing my best but it really matters when you win the match not playing your best. She is a great player and played a great match. It was a rollercoaster but I'm really proud of myself."
Ostapenko Admits She Uses Crowd Support as Motivation
Ostapenko also admitted she channels the crowd's energy into her game. "It's funny. When I play somebody local or just somebody that the crowd is supporting, I feel like I'm angry in a good way and I just want to prove wrong that like, you guys are not supporting the right person. Not in this case because she is from here and this is a good crowd from here. I just wanted to prove that you guys should support me in the next match."
Raducanu Withdrawal Shakes Up Schedule
The match between Dart and Ostapenko was moved to Court 1 at late notice after Emma Raducanu pulled out on the eve of the Championships due to a stress fracture. "Hi everyone. I can't believe I'm saying this, but sadly I've had to withdraw from this year's Wimbledon," Raducanu said in a statement. "I've done everything possible to try to get to the start line tomorrow but after a final scan tonight, the niggle I've been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I've been medically advised to stop pushing through."
