The 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart concluded with a stunning upset, as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka fell to Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in a one-sided final, 6-4, 6-1. For Sabalenka, the defeat marked her fourth consecutive loss in the Stuttgart final, a bitter pill for a player who had her heart set on claiming the coveted title—and the Porsche that comes with it. But beyond the scoreline, a moment during the match sparked concern among fans: Sabalenka appeared to clutch her shoulder, prompting speculation about a possible injury. In a post-match press conference, the Belarusian powerhouse addressed those fears, putting rumors to rest while reflecting on her performance and her determination to bounce back at the upcoming Madrid Open.
Sabalenka’s journey to the Stuttgart final was a testament to her resilience and dominance. As the top seed, she received a first-round bye and advanced to the quarterfinals without hitting a ball when Anastasia Potapova withdrew due to injury. Her campaign truly began on Saturday, April 19, with a 6-4, 6-1 rout of Elise Mertens, though not without controversy—she took a photo of a disputed ball mark, earning a code violation from the umpire. In the semifinals, Sabalenka showcased her trademark aggression, overcoming a spirited Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4. “She makes me work for every point. It was hard to get the win,” Sabalenka said of Paolini, praising her opponent’s tenacity. Entering the final against Ostapenko, Sabalenka was favored, having won all three prior encounters, including a straight-sets victory in Rome the previous year.
Yet, the final was a different story. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, played with fearless precision, breaking Sabalenka’s serve early and maintaining relentless pressure. Sabalenka struggled, winning just 52.9% of her first-serve points compared to Ostapenko’s commanding 80.6%. As the second set slipped away, fans noticed Sabalenka briefly holding her shoulder after a serve, reigniting memories of her 2024 Wimbledon withdrawal due to a shoulder injury. Social media buzzed with worry, but Sabalenka was quick to clarify in her press conference: “No, I’m fine. It was just a moment of fatigue, nothing serious. I pushed hard this week, and my body was feeling it, but I’m ready for Madrid.” Her words offered relief to supporters, confirming that the gesture was not a sign of a recurring issue.
Despite the loss, Sabalenka’s humor shone through. Addressing Ostapenko during the trophy ceremony, she quipped, “You were a better player than me today.” Turning to the crowd, she added, “I’m glad I can afford this car… after this final, I’m gonna order one because this is the only way for me!” The lighthearted jab referenced the Porsche prize she’s chased for years, having lost finals to Ashleigh Barty in 2021 and Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2023. Ostapenko, reveling in her ninth career title, teased, “I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly.” The exchange highlighted the mutual respect between the two, even as Ostapenko celebrated her first clay-court title since Roland Garros.
Sabalenka’s Stuttgart run, though title-less, extended her lead atop the WTA rankings. Her 2025 season has been stellar, with titles in Brisbane and Miami, though final losses in Australia, Indian Wells, and now Stuttgart sting. “I lost three finals against world No. 1s,” she had said before the tournament, reflecting on her Stuttgart history. “So I was like, ‘OK, I have to come back here as world No. 1. Maybe that’s the deal.’” Despite falling short, her 23-5 record this year and 80% clay-court win rate over the past two seasons signal her readiness for the European clay swing. Madrid, where she’s a two-time champion, offers a chance to regroup, with potential rematches against Ostapenko or Swiatek, whom Ostapenko stunned in the Stuttgart quarterfinals.
For Sabalenka, Stuttgart was a mix of frustration and motivation. “It’s not for me every year [here], but maybe next year,” she said post-match, already looking ahead. Her ability to laugh off defeat, dismiss injury concerns, and focus on the next challenge underscores why she remains a fan favorite. As she prepares for Madrid, starting April 22, Sabalenka’s power, wit, and hunger for redemption will make her a force to watch on the red clay.