Category: Tennis

Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 Roland Garros champion, has made a statement on and off the court this clay-court season with her bold fashion choices. Partnering with Latvian clothing brand DK ONE, Ostapenko has opted for eye-catching ensembles that reflect her aggressive playing style.

“I like to mix colors, bright colors with darker ones,” she said. “The previous dress was orange, and I think that wouldn’t look as good on clay because then it’s orange with orange.”

Ostapenko’s style has evolved since joining forces with DK ONE in 2022. She has embraced skirts and other variations, while still providing input on the designs.

“It’s never easy when you’re first starting something,” she reflected. “Latvia is such a small country and they don’t have the same opportunities as a big country, so we have to make the most of what we get.”

While she draws inspiration from the runway, Ostapenko has her own unique fashion sense.

“I like their shoes,” she says of Balenciaga, “but some of their stuff is really crazy. It’s all oversized, very oversized. I like oversized stuff but some of it is too much; it’s all unisex and oversized, so the fit is a little bit strange. I like Dior’s stuff, and also some less-high brands, like Cinq à Sept or Alice and Olivia. I do have some stuff from Zara too.”

Ostapenko’s eclectic taste extends to her entertainment choices. She prefers historical documentaries and comedies, but draws the line at fantasy and superhero movies.

“I hate fantasy, superhero movies, any non-realistic movie. I really hate those. Obviously, you know that can’t happen in real life, like a huge monster is going to come and attack people!”

Off the court, Ostapenko enjoys spending time with fellow Russian speakers Anastasia Potapova and Daria Kasatkina.

“With Dasha, I don’t know why we weren’t friends in juniors. But that’s in the past, and now we’re good friends,” she said. “Nastya is a little bit younger than me, and so I got to know her later. Dasha, I’ve known since we were younger because we’re the same age. But they’re both really nice girls, and we’re able to spend some time going for dinner.”

After a satisfying meal, Ostapenko turns her focus to tennis, preparing for her third-round match against Sara Sorribes Tormo.