Ostapenko will next face American qualifier Danielle Collins for a place in Saturday's final
Thursday 29 March 2018 10:00, UK
Jelena Ostapenko edged out Elina Svitolina in two tight tie-breaks to advance to the semi-finals of the Miami Open where she will play qualifier Danielle Collins.
French Open champion Ostapenko was not at her best, spraying the court with 44 unforced errors and having her serve broken six times on a windy day at Crandon Park, but she still managed to win a roller-coaster ride 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5).
The 20-year-old's aggressive approach paid off in the big moments to win the first set tie-break and after Svitolina saved three consecutive match points in the second set breaker, Ostapenko hammered down her 41st winner to end the contest.
Ostapenko said she followed coach David Taylor's advice to stay on the attack against the defensive-minded Svitolina even when she was having trouble with her accuracy.
"When David came on the court he was telling me to keep playing aggressive, to go for the shots," Ostapenko said during her on-court interview. "Even if you are missing you have to play aggressive. I'm just trying to fight for every point and be more consistent and I think I'm getting there in my form.
"I knew I had to be aggressive and when I got the chance I really went for it. I came here with no expectations, whether it's the first or final I give it everything and do my best."
Collins produced the performance of a lifetime to pull off an almighty shock by sending Venus Williams crashing out 6-2 6-3 to set up a meeting with Ostapenko.
Collins, belying her 93rd ranking, pounded winner after winner as she ran the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion ragged around the Crandon Park centre court.
"The first time I saw Venus in the locker room I nearly cried," Collins said in an on-court interview. "I've idolised her my whole life. She's been my favourite player for forever and this is just a special moment I'm trying to wrap my head around it."
US Open champion Sloane Stephens is set to meet three-time Miami Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the first semi-final on Thursday.
You can watch more ATP Masters 1000 action from the Miami Open when we continue our coverage on Thursday from 8pm on Sky Sports Mix, which you can find on channel 287, and is free for all Sky customers, and the Red Button on Sky Sports Arena.
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