Jelena Ostapenko is a big admirer of Danielle Collins' personality and fans couldn't help themselves but state that they weren't surprised by that statement.
On Thursday, No. 11 Ostapenko will take on seventh-seeded defending champion Collins in the Charleston Open round-of-16. That will be the fourth meeting between the two but also the first one on a clay court. The Latvian won their first two meetings but the American got her revenge the last time they played in 2023 Abu Dhabi.
On the Tour, both Ostapenko and Collins are known as two very outspoken players who are never afraid to reveal their true feelings about certain things. And when asked about her next rival, the Latvian had nothing but words of praise.
Ostapenko: Collins is just herself and I like it
We've played a few times. She's a great player and also a great personality. It's going to be a tough match. I think we pretty much play the same style of tennis, so I think we're going to have some big-hitting rallies. She's the way she is. She's not like trying to be someone that people are waiting for. She's just herself and she's the real what she is, and I kind of like it," the 2017 French Open champion said of the defending Charleston champion.
Since Ostapenko and Collins share similar traits and kind of the same reputation, some fans funnily suggested that it is exactly what you'd expect the Latvian to think about the American.
Meanwhile, Ostapenko snapped her four-match losing streak by beating Louisa Chirico 7-5 6-2 in her opening Charleston match. This week, the world No. 25 is playing her ninth tournament of the year and she won back-to-back matches only in Doha.
However, Collins hasn't had a great season either as she has also battled with inconsistency.
With that being said, the match could go either way as neither of the two is in brilliant form or has the clear edge. But one thing is for sure - the entertainment shouldn't be lacking.
