Miami Open: ‘Bit disrespectful’ – Jelena Ostapenko compares Beatriz Haddad Maia clash to ‘football match’

Jelena Ostapenko has compared her Miami Open third-round clash with Beatriz Haddad Maia clash to a “football match” and described the crowd as “disrespectful”.

The 25-year-old from Latvia came through what was a very challenging battle in the deciding set as she eventually clinched a hard-fought 6-2 4-6 6-3 victory under a lot of pressure.

After the match, the 2017 champion at Roland-Garros gave her thoughts about the crowd when she gave her victory interview on the court – and she made her views clear about the one-sided support.

At one point in the match, after the crowd cheered a double fault, Ostapenko stopped to discuss the situation with the umpire, then later celebrated wildly after she sealed the win.

“Yeah, I am really happy to win today,” Ostapenko began in her post-match interview on the court.

“Of course, the crowd was mostly against me, a little bit disrespectful.

“But thanks, guys who were supporting me. I really appreciate it.

“I am just really proud of myself that I was firing. It felt like a football match today,” she added while smiling up at the crowd.

Ostapenko’s victory came on a mixed day for the leading WTA players as sixth seed Coco Gauff crashed out following a 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 defeat to Anastasia Potapova, who claimed the biggest win of her career.

Gauff’s forehand was badly exposed as she lost her way and Potapova took full advantage to reach the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time. She will meet Zheng Qinwen of China in the round of 16.

Later on, Elena Rybakina recovered from a set down to defeat former world No. 2 Paula Badosa 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the third round.

The world No. 7, who is eyeing an impressive ‘sunshine double’ will be seeking to extend her current win streak to 11 matches when she next takes on Elise Mertens.

Meanwhile, third seed Jessica Pegula powered past compatriot Danielle Collins with a comprehensive 6-1 7-6(0) victory.

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