Jelena Ostapenko returns to Grand Slam glory with Wimbledon mixed doubles crown
Tennis NewsFriday, 10 July 2026 at 00:30
Jelena Ostapenko returned to Grand Slam glory on Thursday, rallying alongside Marcelo Arevalo to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles title after coming from a set and a break down. The second seeds defeated Australia's Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 on Centre Court, completing an impressive turnaround to lift the first trophy awarded at the 2026 Championships.
The victory gave Ostapenko her first Grand Slam mixed doubles title and her first Wimbledon crown after twice falling short in SW19. The Latvian had previously finished runner-up in the 2019 mixed doubles event and the 2025 women's doubles final, making Thursday's triumph a long-awaited breakthrough at the All England Club.
For Arevalo, the title represented another historic milestone. The Salvadoran became the first player from El Salvador to win a Wimbledon title while adding a third Grand Slam doubles crown to his résumé after his Roland Garros men's doubles victories in 2022 and 2024. He also remains alive in the men's doubles draw, where he will play for another major title.
Although Hunter and Polmans controlled the early stages and led by a set and 3-1 in the second, Ostapenko and Arevalo gradually shifted the momentum. They recovered to force a deciding set before taking complete control after the Centre Court roof was closed, sealing victory in one hour and 56 minutes.
"Just fight to the last moment": Ostapenko finally conquers Wimbledon
After falling short twice in previous Wimbledon finals, Ostapenko finally added the only major trophy missing from her collection. The former Roland Garros singles champion and reigning US Open women's doubles champion also became one of the few active players to win Grand Slam titles across singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.
The Latvian admitted frustration nearly got the better of her after she lost serve early in the match, but credited her partnership with Arevalo for helping her stay composed and mount the comeback.
Our first champions of 2026 🏆 🏆
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2026
Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo win the Mixed Doubles Championship 🇸🇻 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/nweQ30e4bv
"I was really frustrated when I lost my serve in the first set. I was like, just calm down. The match is still not over," the WTA doubles world no. 10 said in press conference. "In the second set we were a break down, but I told myself just to fight to the last moment. Marcelo, he's an unbelievable player and such a positive person. I think these positive vibes helped us a lot."
Ostapenko also reflected on the significance of finally lifting the Wimbledon trophy after years of near misses. "It's been a great week. Now I am Grand Slam champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. I think it's great to win all the categories. We play really well together and I really enjoy it. We have a lot of fun on the court. Of course, winning Wimbledon is special."
Road to the Wimbledon 2026 mixed doubles title
| Round | Opponents | Result |
| Round of 32 | Albano Olivetti / Vera Zvonareva | 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-7) |
| Round of 16 | Andres Molteni / Darija Jurak Schreiber | 6-2, 6-2 |
| Quarter-finals | Edouard Roger-Vasselin / Laura Siegemund | 6-4, 7-6(7) |
| Semi-finals | [3] Christian Harrison / Shuai Zhang | 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 |
| Final | Storm Hunter / Marc Polmans | 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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