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Jelena Ostapenko has had an impressive run so far at the 2023 Australian Open, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in her career. Former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, however, took it upon herself to tell fans how she did not enjoy practicing with the Latvian during her playing days.
The retired Wozniacki, who has donned the role of commentator for the Melbourne Major, was present in the commentary box for the fourth-round match between Ostapenko and Coco Gauff on Sunday. During the match, the Dane made a passing comment about Ostapenko, stating that she had practiced with her only once before and even that was more than enough for her.
"Let's just say I practiced with her once and chose not to do so again," Wozniacki said on-air.
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In light of the controversial statement, tennis fans flocked to Twitter to express their opinions. One fan took a dig at both Wozniacki and Ostapenko, labeling them 'drama queens' and sarcastically wondering why they wouldn't be a good match.
"You’d think two drama queens would get along," the tweet read.
Another fan joked that such remarks only enhanced their love for Ostapenko, writing:
"As if I needed another reason to stan Jelena Ostapenko"
One fan mocked Wozniacki, bringing to light her poor head-to-head record against the Latvian and commenting that it would have improved had she practiced more against her.
"Perhaps if she did Ostapenko wouldn’t be up 4-0 in their H2H," their tweet read.
Another user, meanwhile, opined that it was "totally unnecessary" for Wozniacki to have come up with such remarks on-air.
"Totally unnecessary comments on the broadcast," they wrote in their tweet.
Here are a few other fan reactions:
Jelena Ostapenko beats Coco Gauff, reaches the quarterfinals at the Australian Open
Meanwhile, an unperturbed Jelena Ostapenko surprised tennis fans with a commanding win against the in-form Coco Gauff in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Gauff was one of the favorites to win the title Down Under this time around. However, she was thoroughly outclassed by Ostapenko in straight sets on Sunday.
The American youngster earned the first break of the match to take a 2-1 lead at the start of the first set. However, Ostapenko stepped up her aggressive style of play to get back at the World No. 7, sealing the first set 7-5 in under 49 minutes.
Things got easier for Ostapenko in the second set as her opponent showed signs of wearing out. There was no way back for the American, as Ostapenko sealed the deal in the ninth game for a stellar 7-5, 6-3 victory.
Jelena Ostapenko has been at the top of her game ever since landing in Melbourne. She will take on World No. 25 Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals up next.
