Jelena Ostapenko secured a commanding victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final, winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-1. While Ostapenko celebrated her triumph, the post-match handshake between the two players quickly became a talking point among tennis fans.
Videos circulating online show Sabalenka offering a brief handshake to Ostapenko at the net, followed by a few words before moving on. Ostapenko, who had been smiling moments before, appeared to lose her enthusiasm after the exchange. Some fans interpreted Sabalenka’s reaction as lacking sportsmanship, while others defended her, arguing that she had acknowledged her opponent respectfully.
Sabalenka, who has now lost four Stuttgart finals, was visibly frustrated during the match, struggling with her first serve and unable to counter Ostapenko’s powerful baseline play. Despite the controversy surrounding the handshake, Sabalenka congratulated Ostapenko and maintained her composure in the post-match proceedings.
The debate over sportsmanship in tennis continues, with fans divided on whether Sabalenka’s handshake was appropriate or dismissive. As the clay court season moves forward, both players will shift their focus to upcoming tournaments, including the Madrid Open, where they will have another chance to showcase their skills.
Disrespectful for Sabalenka to react this way to Ostapenko pic.twitter.com/YvR5162DTo
— CityFever (@iamcristianoG) April 21, 2025
Aryna Sabalenka in 2025
LWWWWWWWWL Now ranked no.1, Aryna played her last encounter on the 21st of April when she capitulated to world no.18 Jelena Ostapenko 6-4 6-1 in the final in Stuttgart (draw).
Currently, during this year the Belarussian has achieved an overall 25-5 win-loss record. Aryna has won 2 titles in 2025 in Brisbane and Miami. The Belarussian was the finalist at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Stuttgart.
Jelena Ostapenko in 2025
Currently ranked no.18, Ostapenko played her last match on the 21st of April when she overcame world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-1 in the final in Stuttgart to win her 9th career title.
At the moment, during this season Ostapenko owns an overall 12-9 win-loss record. Ostapenko clinched 1 title in Stuttgart. Jelena was the runner-up in Doha.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jelena Ostapenko played each other 4 times. Their current head to head is 3-1 for Sabalenka.
