At this 500-level event, Sabalenka has finished runner-up in three of the past four years—once to Asheligh Barty and twice to Swiatek. She is 3-0 against Ostapenko, taking their most recent meeting in last year’s Rome quarterfinals, and winning five of the six sets they’ve contested overall.
“She’s playing great tennis. Doesn’t matter what happened in the past,” Sabalenka told Andrea Petkovic. “I’m gonna go out there and fight like it’s the first match. I’m gonna fight for this beautiful car behind me. Please, I beg you, please. Please, I need this car!”
Ostapenko is bidding to become the third player this season to defeat the tour’s Top 2-ranked players in Sabalenka and Swiatek at the same event. Madison Keys achieved the feat on her way to the Australian Open title, before Mirra Andreeva matched the accomplishment with her Indian Wells triumph.
