SUMMARY
- Jelena Ostapenko is set to take on Ajla Tomjlanovic at the Australian Open.
- The duo have a fiery history, which might be reignited when they play next.
Grand Slams bring out a player’s competitiveness in a way that no other tournaments can. As players clash for the ultimate glory, sometimes it can lead to frustrations boiling over. It happened at Wimbledon when Jelena Ostapenko took on Ajla Tomljanovic. As the two players are set to clash once again at the Australian Open, we take a look at their memorable feud.
Ajla locked horns with the former French Open champion in the third round at Wimbledon in 2021. It was an exciting match, as the players put on a show of skills for the crowd. However, there was ample drama too, as Ajla accused Jelena of faking an injury. What followed was a tense exchange of words that carried over even after the match had ended.
A clip of their war of words surfaced on social media recently. Ostapenko and Tomljanovic are set to clash in Melbourne again after that fateful day, reigniting their rivalry. So what really happened that day?
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Ostapenko had claimed the opening set despite Tomljanovic playing well. The Australian roared back to rhythm, even though she was a set down and trailing by 2-0 in the second. Ajla dug deep to win the second set against Jelena.
Drama unfurled in the deciding set when Jelena was down 4-0. Ajla was on a roll and was about to serve when Ostapenko requested a medical timeout. Tomjlanovic was convinced that it was a ploy on Ostapenko’s part to break her rhythm. She told the umpire that the Latvian was lying.
The squabble continued at the net after Ajla had defeated Jelena 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. “If you think I’m faking, you can talk to the physio,” said Ostapenko. Tomjlanovic hit back with, “You’re one to talk” (via Fox Sports).
Jelena Ostapenko will take on Ajla Tomjlanovic once again. While it has been four years, fans anticipate another exciting match from them.
Jelena Ostapenko vs. Ajla Tomjlanovic
So far, Jelena and Ajla have played against each other three times, with Ostapenko walking away victorious twice. Backed by the home crowd, Ajla now has the perfect opportunity to level their scores.
The last time the duo played was at the Viking International in Eastbourne. Jelena ended up defeating Ajla 6-4, 6-4, in straight sets. This victory came on the heels of their fiery clash at Wimbledon the year before, and Ostapenko got her revenge.
Jelena Ostapenko has been on a good run of form and even won the Adelaide International, leading up to the Australian Open. She hopes to replicate her run in Melbourne this year, too.
