Jelena Ostapenko finally rediscovered her winning rhythm at the Australian Open, defeating Rebecca Šramková in straight sets and putting an end to a difficult stretch that had followed her through recent tournaments.
After six consecutive first-round losses and an extended period without a tour-level win since the US Open in August 2025, the Latvian appeared reenergized on the Melbourne courts, delivering a performance that reflected her natural attacking strengths.
A much-needed reset on the big stage
Ostapenko arrived at the Australian Open under pressure after early exits in Brisbane and Adelaide, failing to advance beyond her opening matches in both lead-up events. However, Melbourne proved to be the stage where she finally reset both mentally and tactically.
From the opening games, Ostapenko played with clarity and commitment, stepping into the court and taking time away from her opponent.
Controlled aggression pays off
Known for her high-risk, high-reward style, Ostapenko kept her aggression under control throughout the match. When her shots found the lines, Šramková struggled to absorb the pace, particularly on the return of serve.
The Latvian secured two breaks of serve in each set, maintaining enough consistency to prevent any sustained comeback from the Slovak player.
Signs of confidence returning
While Ostapenko’s game has always been built on power, this performance also suggested a renewed level of composure. She managed key moments effectively, protecting her service games and closing out the match without unnecessary complications.
For a former world No. 5, victories like this can serve as important confidence builders, especially after a prolonged run of early defeats.
A platform to build on
Whether this win marks a true turning point remains to be seen, but it offered a reminder of Ostapenko’s potential when her aggressive game clicks. As the Australian Open progresses, sustaining this balance between power and control will be crucial for her chances of making a deeper run.
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137223254
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136522914
This match unfolded during a demanding Australian Open Day 3, while Ostapenko’s performance also places her among the players to watch this season, according to recent trends and statistics.