Tennis drama unfolds as Ostapenko ousts coach during game but not specific about which one in musical chairs act
WTA
Jelena Ostapenko is known for her fiery temper on the tennis court and for showing all the emotion. But her box also received it during her defeat against Barbora Krejcikova on Wednesday as she kicked one of her coaches out.
But they were baffled as to which one actually had to leave with Ostapenko not specifying which one. Ostapenko was 4-3 up in the second set against the Czech ace but got agitated during which she gestured that she wanted one of them out.
There were amusing scenes as no-one could quite work it out as they pointed at each other with confused expressions. Eventually the man in question who she seemed to want out in the first place left.
"This is what we were talking about with Ostapenko. There is never a dull moment. She's motioning to her box - not sure if she was motioning for someone to leave but right now she's not happy," said the BBC commentator.
"She shouldn't worry about who is leaving and who is staying. She needs to realise she's still ahead in this set and focus on tactics and cleaning up her game," said Tracy Austin saying it had little difference. Ostapenko did get her wish and after slipping to 5-4, she recovered to break and won her own service game to lead 6-5. But she went on to lose from there and no doubt will give her coaches an earful in the days that follow.
"Two games in a row since then and it's her turn to be a game away in set two." Austin said: "The coach is still gone! He might be able to watch from one of the monitors. I'm sure he's very curious."
After such a good tournament, it ended fairly poorly for Ostapenko who was thumping whoever played her and then fell to Krejcikova who kept her cool in a second set tie-break.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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