Martina Navratilova has inspired generations of players, former and present alike. With 18-time grand slam titles, the former Czechian pro holds a special place in a Latvian professional’s heart. In a recent interview, Jelena Ostapenko spoke highly of the oldest player to win at Wimbledon.

Ostapenko will be playing at the Australian Open tomorrow, playing against Kimberly Birrell in the first round. While the World No. 116, known for her calm and clinical approach to matches, is not a bad opponent, the Latvian would have liked to play against the former legend at least once.

Jelena Ostapenko shares the huge admiration she holds for Martina Navratilova

In a recent interview, Jelena Ostapenko was asked who she would play with if she had the chance from the past. To which, her first candid response was Martina Navratilova, and why wouldn’t it be?

She said, “Probably Martina Navratilova. She has been such an amazing player, she has won so many Slams and she is a lefty, which is particularly good for doubles, haha. I didn’t get a chance to play with her, but I talked with her and she is a very nice person.”

Well, we couldn’t agree with her more. For any tennis player to face Martina Navratilova on the court and showcase their skill set would be beyond amazing as an experience. Jelena Ostapenko has also made it to the top 10 for the first time after 2018 this year and it only makes us more hopeful for her upcoming tournaments.

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Ostapenko scores herself in the top 10 after more than 5 years

Unfortunately, despite playing a lot of matches and being a part of many tournaments, Jelena Ostapenko was always outside the top 10 count. However, things turned around when she won her Adelaide title this year. This brought her into the limelight and also allowed her a chance to be in the top 10.

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It has been a very difficult road for the 2017 Roland Garros champion. However, winning her 7 WTA title with Adelaide turned things positive for her. While doing so she defeated Sorana Cirstea, Caroline Garcia, Marta Kostyuk, Ekaterina Aleksandrova, and Daria Kasatkina along the way proving she has what it takes.

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