Ostapenko and Sabalenka Set for Thrilling Stuttgart Grand Prix Final

STUTTGART, Germany, April 20, 2025 (Reuters) – Latvia‘s Jelena Ostapenko advanced to her first Stuttgart Grand Prix final on Sunday, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4. She will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who earned her spot in the final with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.

The 27-year-old Ostapenko showcased her aggressive style and tactical prowess, breaking serve early in both sets. Despite a momentary setback when she was broken back in the first game, she quickly regained momentum and pressured Alexandrova throughout the match. “I feel amazing playing here. Winning three sets gives you confidence,” Ostapenko said post-match.

Ostapenko’s victory comes after a remarkable performance in the quarterfinals, where she upset five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. Her ability to convert crucial moments in tight matches has been key to her success at this tournament.

On the other side of the net, Sabalenka faced a determined challenge from Paolini. The three-time Grand Slam champion initially moved ahead 3-0 in the first set but had to battle back after Paolini leveled at 3-3 in the second. “[Paolini] makes me work for every point,” Sabalenka remarked. “It was tough, but I’m happy to come through.”

Both players have a lot at stake on Monday, with Ostapenko aiming for redemption in her second final of the season and Sabalenka striving to capture her first title in Stuttgart. “I hope this fourth final will finally land me the title,” Sabalenka added confidently.

In addition to the singles, the day also featured a thrilling doubles final, where Gabriela Dabrowski from Canada and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe won the title, beating Ekaterina Alexandrova and Shuai Zhang from China 6-3, 6-3. “We did well together, even though it was our first time playing on clay,” Dabrowski said.

This year marks the 48th edition of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, which began in 1978 and has become a significant event on the women’s tennis calendar, played at the Porsche Arena since 2006. With a capacity crowd of 4,200 fans, the tournament continues to draw enthusiastic support for women’s tennis.

As the final approaches, the excitement is palpable. With a luxury Porsche Macan Turbo on the line as the main prize, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both finalists.