(VIDEO) Jelena Ostapenko's hilarious interaction with ball kid leaves tennis fans in stitches: "She dropped the mask for a second"
WTAWednesday, 21 February 2024 at 12:13
Jelena
Ostapenko accidentally bumped into a ball kid during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis
Championships amid her victory over Xiyu Wang (No. 64) with a score of 5-7,
6-2, 6-3. The Latvian player continues her impressive performance in 2024,
securing her 16th win of the season and leading the tour in the most wins
during the season.
'Penko'
overcame a challenging start in the first round against the Chinese player and
was in a tough battle in the third set when the curious situation occurred.
Wang was serving in the third set at 2-2, 0-40 when a ball kid picked up a ball
near Ostapenko and accidentally bumped into the former French Open champion.
Known for
her controversial on-court attitude, Ostapenko had a friendly reaction to the
incident, offering a smile to the ball kid, which caught the attention of fans
on social media. Just a few days ago, Ostapenko stirred controversy
after her match against Victoria Azarenka in the Qatar Open, where, after being
defeated, she offered her racket to 'Vichka' for a hit instead of the usual
handshake at the net.
Social media users playfully commented on Ostapenko's
amiable reaction this time, highlighting that the ball kid "was
lucky" to experience the good humor of the world No. 9:
“She dropped the mask for a second,” wrote
some user. “If the
opponent was Torribes Tormo or Bouzkova, they would tell the umpire there was
blood,” another one added.
“Penko can be a
menace at the court but she is always nice to the ball kids <3,” another
Ostapenko follower wrote. “They could never make me hate her!”
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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