Jelena Ostapenko expressed frustration with the Wimbledon crowd after channelling her anger into a victory over British qualifier Harriet Dart in the first round on Court 1. The Latvian, who wore a kit featuring Tesco branding, was booed during the hard-fought match, particularly after being broken back in the deciding third set.
Ostapenko took the opening set but lost the second 6-3 before Dart levelled at 4-4 in the third, putting the 2018 semi-finalist under pressure. However, the world No. 31 recovered to win the next two games and seal the win, then made her feelings about the reception clear.
Ostapenko's Frustration With Partisan Crowd
Speaking after the match, Ostapenko said: “I think [certain home crowds elsewhere] are a bit more intense probably. At least today, I mean, there were some points where they were clapping for double faults. I was obviously not happy with that. But, I mean, this is normal, because they are trying to support their local player. I think especially after the first set when Harriet was leading in the second set, I felt like they were into it because they wanted also a third set.”
The 29-year-old also discussed how she turned her anger into a positive force on court. “I feel like I use it in a good way. I said 'angry,' but in a good way. I try to... transform it into the game,” she added.
Commentators Weigh In
During the BBC broadcast, former champion Martina Navratilova rejected the notion that fans were specifically booing Ostapenko's errors. “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,” Navratilova said.
Fellow commentator Chris Bradnam suggested Ostapenko was picking a fight with the 12,000-strong crowd, calling it “not a good idea” but acknowledging she is used to such atmospheres.
Ostapenko's Message to Fans
Ostapenko acknowledged that home support for a British player is natural but joked that the crowd should back her in the next round. “I think for me it's, like, I know it's a local player, and this is very normal, they are supporting the local player. But for me, I think I kind of proved them they are wrong and they should support another, like me, and I just try to prove it with the game. But in a good way, not like, you know, as I said, it's very normal they are supporting the local player, but just in a good way. I try to prove, You guys are around next match, you should support me,” she said with a laugh.
