Latvian tennis star Aļona Ostapenko has become only the seventh player in the Open Era to secure Grand Slam titles across all three disciplines—singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Following her recent mixed doubles victory at Wimbledon alongside Marcelo Arevalo, Ostapenko continues to solidify her legacy, having now claimed major titles in every category. According to the athlete, the achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, even as she remains focused on returning to the top of the singles rankings.
The Path to the Triple Crown
Ostapenko’s victory at Wimbledon alongside Salvadoran partner Marcelo Arevalo was unconventional. The pair had never trained together before the tournament and were introduced by a mutual friend via a WhatsApp group, according to Ostapenko. Despite the lack of preparation, they navigated the field to win the title.
While mixed doubles often carries a lower prize purse—174 thousand euros compared to 892 thousand euros for men’s and women’s doubles—the competitive intensity remains high. Ostapenko noted that her ability to handle high-velocity serves from male opponents gives her a distinct advantage in the category. “I don’t take doubles as seriously as singles, so I play in a more relaxed state,” she explained.
Did you know?
Ostapenko is one of only seven players in the modern era to win Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Managing Professional Pressure and Physical Demands
Maintaining a competitive edge requires rigorous scheduling, which often leads to physical and mental fatigue. Ostapenko reported that during the Wimbledon period, she spent 21 consecutive days in training or match play. “There were days when I didn’t even know where I was,” she admitted. To mitigate burnout, she emphasizes complete physical detachment during her downtime, avoiding structured exercise to recover.
Her approach to training is evolving. Ostapenko is currently planning a coaching change to further refine her game. Her support team currently includes fitness coaches Ludmila Olijare and Staņislavs Olijars, alongside a dedicated mental coach and physiotherapist. These adjustments are aimed at breaking a recent streak where she has not progressed past the third round of a Grand Slam singles tournament in the last two years.
Technical Evolution in the Modern Game
A primary focus for Ostapenko’s recent development has been her serve. She has successfully increased her serving speed to 185 kilometers per hour, a marked improvement of 10 km/h over previous seasons. This technical adjustment is part of a broader effort to remain competitive against top-tier opponents.
While she has yet to secure a WTA singles title this year—a departure from her streak of winning at least one title in the first half of the season for five consecutive years—she remains optimistic. Her focus is now shifting toward the North American hardcourt swing, beginning in Toronto. She views her doubles participation not just as a pursuit of titles, but as a strategic tool to maintain match sharpness for her primary goal: another Grand Slam singles championship.
Pro Tip:
Athletes often use secondary disciplines like mixed doubles to work on specific technical elements—such as return-of-serve or net play—without the crushing psychological pressure of high-stakes singles matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grand Slam titles does Aļona Ostapenko have?
Ostapenko has won three Grand Slam titles across different categories: the 2017 French Open (singles), the 2024 US Open (doubles with L. Kičenoka), and the 2026 Wimbledon (mixed doubles with M. Arevalo).
What is Aļona Ostapenko’s current focus in her career?
Her primary goal is to win another Grand Slam title in singles. She is currently adjusting her training regimen and coaching staff to improve her performance in major singles events.
How does Ostapenko handle the mental pressure of professional tennis?
Ostapenko utilizes a mental coach and balances the intensity of the tour with periods of complete rest. She acknowledges that while the pressure is immense, she remains motivated by the pursuit of more titles.
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