London [UK], June. 10 : In was unexpected yet spectacular, as unseeded Jelena Ostapenko produced a stunning fightback to crush Simona Halep and win the French Open title.
Appearing in just her eighth grand slam event, the 20-year-old Latvian crushed tournament favourite Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, to become the first unseeded woman ever to win the trophy.
Halep would have been world No 1 had she won the title, however it was not her day, as Ostapenko became the youngest woman to win since 1997, the first Latvian to win a grand slam singles title.
She is also the first person to win their first Tour title at a grand slam since Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten lifted the first of his three titles here in 1997, reports the Guardian.
Halep failed to clinch victory despite having led by a set and 3-0, with three break point chances. "I still cannot believe I am the Roland Garros champion and I'm only 20. I know Simona is a great player and she was playing great but I kept trying, stayed aggressive and I'm very happy things turned around for me.
I have no words," said an ecstatic Ostapenko. 25-year-old Halep, who will be crowned world No 2 when the rankings are updated tomorrow, was gracious in accepting her defeat.
"All the credit for what you have done. It's an amazing thing. Enjoy it be happy and keep it going because you're like a kid," she said..
Source: ANI
