Jelena Ostapenko defeated Harriet Dart in a tense first-round match at Wimbledon on Court 1. The Latvian overcame a partisan home crowd to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Ostapenko secured victory after two hours and 20 minutes with 46 winners. The former French Open champion faced strong support for the British wildcard Dart throughout the contest.
After the match, Ostapenko addressed the spectators. “I’m probably not the one who you wanted to win, but thank you, it was a really nice atmosphere,” she said. She added that playing against a local player made the first round tougher.
During the match, Ostapenko pointed to the crowd and urged louder cheers after hitting an ace. She later explained that such atmospheres motivate her to prove herself on court.
The 29-year-old will now prepare for the second round at the All-England Club.