Aryna Sabalenka’s quest for the Stuttgart title has been a long one, marked by heartbreak in three previous finals—losing to Ash Barty in 2021 and Iga Swiatek in both 2022 and 2023. This year, she entered the tournament later than usual, benefiting from a first-round bye and an opponent withdrawal in the second round, and quickly finding her rhythm. She didn’t drop a set in her tough matches against former doubles partner Elise Mertens and Jasmine Paolini, showcasing fierce determination. Ready to “fight for every point” in the final against Jelena Ostapenko, Sabalenka’s hunger for victory remains undiminished, though the elusive Stuttgart crown still awaits her.

On Monday, the Stuttgart final was destined to break a streak for someone: either Sabalenka would finally drive away with her dream Porsche, or Ostapenko would notch her first win over Sabalenka in their fourth meeting. Their previous three matches had all gone the Belarusians’ way, with victories in Rome last year, Dubai in 2023, and Zhengzhou back in 2019. In the end, Jelena’s powerful game proved too much for her opponents.

She battled fiercely past Emma Navarro, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, and Ekaterina Alexandrova in a series of electric encounters. She capped off a fairytale week by defeating the top seed 6-4, 6-1. The win was significant for two reasons.

That win not only marked Ostapenko’s ninth career WTA title (first at a WTA 500 event) but also her first on clay since winning Roland Garros in 2017. This hard-earned victory gifted the Latvian a second Porsche, the Macan Turbo, a popular electric SUV valued at £97,000 ($128,680), adding to the Cayenne Turbo already in her collection.

Jelena Ostapenko’s 2025 season now shows a 12-9 record, notably including a perfect 4-0 against Top 10 opponents – with three of those victories achieved this very week. Interestingly, her record against players outside the Top 10 is 8-9. This win brings her career finals record to an even 9-9, contrasting with Sabalenka’s more positive 19 wins and 16 losses in finals. Meanwhile, the thought of it slipping away must be quite disappointing for Sabalenka.

Aryna Sabalenka’s humorous response to the disappointing loss against Jelena

Ostapenko brought some much-needed levity to the trophy ceremony after her stunning win in Stuttgart. On court, she joked, “Congrats Aryna on a great week. I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly,” referencing the coveted Porsche prize. She added, “I’m sure you’ll get it another time. It’s great to share the court with you. You’re such a champion.” The crowd loved it—Ostapenko’s wit matched her fearless tennis all week. Aryna Sabalenka, gracious as ever, responded with a smile.

She said, “I want to congratulate Jelena and her team on a great week. You played really great this week and you were a better player than me today. That’s just about it. Well done and enjoy driving this beautiful car! I’m glad I can afford this car. After this final, we’re gonna order one because I guess this is the only way for me!” Sabalenka’s humor shone through, even in defeat.

Jeļena Ostapenko’s Stuttgart Open victory earned her a substantial $162,181, while runner-up Aryna Sabalenka received $99,878 –certainly enough to purchase a Porsche

Despite the loss, Sabalenka’s determination is as fierce as ever, and she’s already plotting her return. Reflecting on her Stuttgart journey, she added, “I lost three finals here against No. 1s. So I was, like, ‘Okay I have to do it. I have to come back here as the world No. 1’. I want to finally win the Porsche this year.”

Now, the clay season heats up with the WTA 1000 Madrid Open next. Sabalenka is projected to start against a qualifier in round two, possibly facing Elise Mertens, whom she just beat in Stuttgart, in round three. After titles in 2021 and 2023, she’s hungry for a third Madrid title, especially after missing championship points to Iga Swiatek last year. Could this setback fuel her for a big run before Roland Garros? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!