By Mike McIntyre
Photos Jimmie48 Tennis Photography
2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko may have already realized that this year is not going to be as free-wheeling as the last. The 20 year old Latvian was defeated by Russia's Ekaterina Makarova in the opening round of the Sydney International where she was the third seed in the draw. This marks the second consecutive first round loss for Ostapenko to start her 2018 season.
Makarova is currently ranked 33rd in the WTA Tour rankings and is certainly a player most would prefer to avoid in their first match of any event, but all the same Ostapenko can no longer expect to fly under the radar now that she is starting the season as one of four Grand Slam holders on the WTA Tour.
Not much can be read into the 7-6(3), 6-1 scoreline against Makarova at this point of the season although it must be troubling for Ostapenko that she could not muster much opposition in the final frame.
Ostapenko played Serena Williams just over a week ago in Abu Dhabi in an exhibition match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship but with the 23 time Grand Slam champion having not played a match in nearly a year, that was probably not such a great preparation for Ostapenko before officially starting her season. I'm sure the pay day made it all worthwhile though. Ostapenko then went to Shenzhen, China where she fell in the opening round to Kristyna Pliskova - twin sister of World No. 6 Karolina - before heading to Sydney.
Makarova will next face the winner between compatriot Daria Kasatkina and Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic in the second round. Garbine Muguruza, the top seed, looms as a potential semifinal opponent should Makarova get on a hot streak. For Ostapenko, the doubles draw still remains, where she forms a fun partnership with fellow singles Grand Slam title holder Sloane Stephens. The Latvian will then proceed to the Australian Open that begins January 15th in Melbourne hoping to see a reversal of her early season struggles.
Here are a few more shots of the match courtesy of Jimmie48 Tennis Photography who we will be partnering-up with throughout the year. Check back with us regularly this week for more coverage from Sydney.
Above: Ostapenko is one of the best on tour when it comes to facial expressions.
Above: not the face you want to be making often at the start of the season
Above: Makarova waves to the crowd after the upset.
Above: Off to the Australian Open for Ostapenko - in singles at least.
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