Jelena Ostapenko was arguably at the epicentre of one of the most talked-about moments of the recent US Open.
After all, her feud with Taylor Townsend transcended tennis, with many arguing it related to cultural and political differences that threatened to turn into a volatile situation.
Fortunately, it was handled with grace by almost all involved, particularly the affable American who was most affected.
Since that incident, her profile has increased exponentially, whilst many have emerged to lambast the Latvian for her thoughtlessness.
Ostapenko called Townsend ‘uneducated’ and disrespectful, having allegedly warmed up wrong and not apologised for a net cord.
However, all this controversy cannot explain why she was forced to play in front of an empty stadium yesterday.
Jelena Ostapenko loses in front of an empty stadium in Guadalajara
Playing at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico, her seeding meant she entered the event in the Round of 16.
And whilst facing Marina Stakusic did not seem like it would offer a spectacle on paper, in the end, those who would have watched would have seen a thrilling three-set clash, finished with the Canadian snatching the upset victory.
However, nobody was there to watch.
As Ostapenko walked onto the court, the stadium was barren, with barely a few fans and media personnel dotted about.
It did not make for good viewing, and has led many to slam the WTA-500 event for what is a very bad look for women’s tennis.
Many called for an explanation, and a handful of Mexican tennis fans have now come to the tournament’s defence on X.
Tennis fans explain why no fans watched Jelena Ostapenko’s match
In the initial post that sparked such debate, they attached a picture of the empty stadium accompanied by the caption: “the way there is not a soul in the crowd”.
This sparked many to criticise the event, with one even labelling it ‘embarrassing’.
However, there was also a strong contingent of Mexican tennis fans keen to explain why the stadium was so empty.
One wrote: “This tournament has been around long enough for you to know Mexican culture. They come out for evening matches.”
