Jelena Ostapenko made a winning start in Stuttgart beating Emma Raducanu comfortably and it was a happy return to her favourite surface.
Ostapenko's biggest moment in her career came on clay when she won Roland Garros a couple of years ago.
Since then it's been tricky to get back to that level but she played on a very high level in the first round losing only a handful of games.
Speaking after the match, Ostapenko revealed what she thought during the match:
"I knew against her the main thing was to step in the court. Of course, I missed some balls but I tried to be aggressive all the time when it was possible. Just try to take the ball early, don't give her many chances. And finally, I'm back on clay, my favorite surface."
Her approach didn't feature much doubt and she confirmed that she's playing fearless on the court:
"I was kind of fearless. I was not thinking too much. I felt today a little bit that way. I was just going for the shots. Even if I was missing, I was, like, It's fine, I will still go for the shots."
Jelena Ostapenko on why she struggled for a few years: “It can sound strange, but I felt like I was stepping back too much in the years I wasn’t playing well. When I step in the court & play fearless like at the French Open & try to hit winners, that’s what works well..”
