04 September 2023 , 22:18
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Jelena Ostapenko rewarded one of her most loyal fans with US Open tickets on the day the Latvian tennis player shocked the competition by defeating top seed Iga Swiatek
Ostapenko maintained a cordial relationship with her avid supporter, Jonah Soble, who identifies as @JonahTennis on social media. Soble posted screenshots of their Instagram chat, where he frequently showed his appreciation and fanship for the 26-year-old.
The pair have taken selfies together, notably after Ostapenko's match with Elena Avanesyan in the second round. After the match, the Latvian remained on Court 17 for an extended period to sign autographs and take pictures with her fans.
"I love that she doesn't care what people think," said Soble in an interview. "It's my favorite thing about her. "I lost my voice during her second round and told her coaches during the match to cheer more like me."
Ostapenko's powerful volleys and shots started to cause concern for top-seeded Swiatek. While watching the game in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Soble decided to join other devoted Ostapenko fans in a nearby section. They were all amazed and excited at their favorite player's special performance.
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"The moment I sat with them, she didn't lose another game except one in the third set," Soble told USA Today Sports. "It was one of the most special moments I can ever recall being a tennis fan. "It was one of the most incredibly kind gestures I've ever been involved in."
In the competition, Ostapenko, who entered as the No. 20 seed, displayed her skills over Swiatek by securing a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 win. It maintains her remarkable record of having beaten Swiatek every time she has played her, and means she has qualified for the US Open quarterfinals for the first time.
Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia returns the ball during the US Open"There were some key moments in the second set. When I won it, especially the first game in the third set when I broke her, I felt like it was going more my way," said Ostapenko after the contest.
"I started to feel my game better. I put her under pressure, of course, because I was hitting quite many winners, and she did not like the power I was giving her because she needed some time to play."
After the match, Ostapenko reached out to Soble directly to thank him for his support on Instagram. "I think once she recognizes your Team Penko, she'll do anything for you," Soble noted.
"One of my biggest flaws is I care too much what other people think. And to love a tennis player who doesn't give any care about what strangers think about her on the internet. She's one of the most confident people I know despite people body shaming her sometimes or other things about her."
"She always rises above and never ever focuses on the hate. I always find that really inspiring."