Newly crowned French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko is to be rewarded for winning Latvia’s for grand slam title according to a government minister.
20-year-old Ostapenko stunned the draw at Roland Garros when she battled back from a set and a break down to defeat Simona Halep in the final. The triumph rewarded the Latvian with her first tour title, making her the first player to win their maiden trophy at a major since Gustavo Kuerten at the 1997 French Open. On route to the title, she defeated seeded players Sam Stosur, Caroline Wozniacki, Timea Bacsinszky and Halep.
Returning to a hero’s welcome in Riga on Monday, Ostapenko was greeted by a crowd of roughly 200 people presenting her with flowers according to local media. She then spoke with journalists at a red-carpet area specially created at the airport.
“It was incredible, the atmosphere in the final game was outstanding. I felt the support of people from both Latvia and the spectators on the ground.” She said about her French Open win according to tvnet.lv.
There she is, with a loud chant, Alona Ostapenko walks out with Latvian flag over her shoulders. pic.twitter.com/YEgBlXp4FV
— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) 12 June 2017
Ostapenko is now in line for a financial reward from her government. Education and science minister, Kārlis Šadurskis, revealed that she would receive a ‘small cash prize.’ During an interview with TV channel LNT, Šadurskis said that it was important to reward Latvian athletes for their achievements.
“Compared to the prize fund of the competition (French Open), the reward or gratitude from the state will be limited. But in any case it is important that the state measure its outstanding athletes. Here what matters is not the amount of financial, but recognition.” He said.
There has been no confirmation about how much she will receive. It is understood that boxer Mairis Briedis previously received a grant of 28, 458 euros. Briedis is the first man from his country to win a boxing world title.
There is also talk about potentially awarding Ostapenko the Order of the Three Stars. It is an honour awarded to people for their ‘meritorious service’ to Latvia. Šadurskis has publicly urged the Latvian tennis association to nominate the 20-year-old.
In this week’s WTA rankings, Ostapenko has risen 35 places to a career high of 12th.
