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Tennis fans were in disbelief as former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko committed a stunning double fault at the Eastbourne Rothesay International. The 2017 French Open winner faced a straight sets defeat to British star Katie Boulter on Wednesday, but it was a particular moment in the match that left everyone talking.
Ostapenko's Unforgettable Double Fault
During a crucial deuce in the ninth game of the opening set, Ostapenko failed to find her target service box, completely missing the adjacent box as well. This mishap caused a wave of shock among fans present and those watching the match from home.
"Can she even play tennis?" questioned one bewildered fan on social media.
Another observer remarked,
"Ostapenko hitting perhaps the worst double fault of all time. It didn't even make it into the wrong service box."
Boulter's Triumph and Road to Wimbledon
Despite Ostapenko's efforts to stage a comeback in the second set, Boulter held her ground to secure the biggest victory of her career with a 6-4, 7-5 win. This victory follows her recent successes against Emma Raducanu and Ostapenko, positioning her as a formidable contender as she heads into the opening week of Wimbledon.
Reflecting on her triumphs, Boulter shared,
"It's definitely taken a lot of pressure off me. This season is a slightly different situation for me. Today was a match I had nothing to lose, just swinging and having fun."
What This Means for Ostapenko
For Ostapenko, this defeat is a significant setback, especially with Wimbledon on the horizon. Her double fault will likely be a moment she aims to forget, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and pressure inherent in professional tennis. As she prepares for her next challenge, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how she rebounds from this unexpected stumble.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
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