Jelena Ostapenko routs Aryna Sabalenka, completing remarkable week in Stuttgart

At 6-4, 4-1, 30-0 in Monday's Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final in Stuttgart, Jelena Ostapenko had won 13 of the prior 15 points. The world No. 24 wasn't facing the world No. 124. She was facing the unquestioned world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. Things were going well.

Even when she failed to handle a volley on the next point, Ostapenko couldn't help but smile.

"I think the attitude of Ostapenko needs to be credited," said the world feed announcer. "She's been so confident, so poised and so self-assured."

And why not? Ostapenko, entering the loaded WTA 500 tournament with a middling 7-9 record in 2025, had defeated three-time defending Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, then took out Ekaterina Alexandrova—who had eliminated red-hot Jessica Pegula and Indian Wells champion Mirra Andreeva earlier in the week.

Now, she was making Sabalenka—whom she was 0-3 against—look like a world No. 124.

Ostapenko's confidence only grew from there. She would hold for 5-1 with an ace, and end the championship match a game later with the return equivalent—a stone-cold winner off Sabalenka's serve.

Before today, Ostapenko and Sabalenka had faced off in seven sets. Sabalenka won five of them by either 6-1 or 6-2 scores. Yet Ostapenko was the player in total control and emitting complete confidence. It was a performance, both on the day and over the course of her tournament, that recalled her zoning display at Roland Garros eight years ago, when no one stood a chance against the aggressive underdog.

This was the Latvian's ninth career title, and it may be her most impressive since that display on the terre battue. Incredibly, it was her first clay-court final since then.

You never know when Ostapenko will put it all together, but when she does, you know it's happening.

Sabalenka, who won just 52.9% of her first-serve points—compared to Ostapenko's 80.6%—couldn't help but smile after it all.

"You were a better player today than me," she said to Ostapenko in her runner-up speech, before noting to enjoy the Porsche that also comes with the title.

"I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly," said Ostapenko when she took the mic.

The match was Sabalenka's third consecutive final, and her fifth in 2025. She's 1-3 in her last four.

Relishing the opportunity as a giant killer, Ostapenko is now 3-1 against world No. 1s.

"It's great to share the court with you, you're such a champion," said the new Stuttgart champion.