THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 10, 2024

Jelena Ostapenko

Press Conference

B. KREJCIKOVA/J. Ostapenko

6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Jelena, tough day today. Give us your thoughts.

JELENA OSTAPENKO: Yeah, I mean, probably not the best way to finish the tournament. I think there is a few things that I can also take positive things, from this week.

I mean, I played quite well most of the matches. Today was a bit hard. Maybe not my best day. But it happens to all of the athletes.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. How would you compare your match in Birmingham last year to today and how you played?

JELENA OSTAPENKO: I mean, it's a completely different match because it's the same surface, but it's much smaller tournament. It's just before Wimbledon.

I mean, everyone wants to win here, especially when you're in quarterfinals. Everyone is really, like, fighting, yeah.

Q. You were able to really plow your way through some of your previous opponents. Barbora doesn't let people do that. What made her so different from your previous opponents and so difficult for you to play your best game?

JELENA OSTAPENKO: I mean, she played pretty good today, but I think it's more about what I was maybe not going for the shots as much as I had to. It was also, like, a bit windy. Court 1 honestly is a bit slower than the outside courts. Maybe it was in her favor, as well.

Q. You've had Lil Wayne posting you on his Instagram feed. There's been some invitations for the US Open. Has he messaged you privately at all?

JELENA OSTAPENKO: Yeah, I mean, it's really cool, of course. But I feel like every interview now I've been asked this. I mean, as I said, it's really cool.

Yeah, he has been messaging me, as well. He told me he's my huge fan, so that's really nice.

Q. What positives will you take from the week? It's a big run. What will you take when you go to the next few tournaments?

JELENA OSTAPENKO: I feel like I'm on the right path. Just day by day I'm getting better. Not every day you will feel great and you will feel like all of your shots. You just have to try and find your game when you're not feeling good.

I think I can only take positive things from here. Yeah, just move on. There are still a lot of tournaments this year and another Grand Slam and Olympics.

Yeah, just work hard, and the results will be there.