WATCH: Jelena Ostapenko admits to enjoying Lil Wayne over Drake, American rapper reciprocates admiration

Jelena Ostapenko to play Nottingham Open champion Katie Boulter in the second round of Eastbourne Open today.

WATCH: Jelena Ostapenko admits to enjoying Lil Wayne over Drake, American rapper reciprocates admiration

Jelena Ostapenko and Lil Wayne (Via Imago)

Jelena Ostapenko, known for being one of the most outspoken players on the WTA circuit, had never revealed her music preferences until March when she expressed her admiration for Lil Wayne‘s performance at the Miami Open concert. Recently, Lil Wayne posted a video on social media acknowledging her praise.

Drake and Lil Wayne performed in the opening ceremony of the Miami Open with fans reeling out support for them. However, the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar took the spotlight as the tournament got along. Drake’s only connection to sport is his infamous gambling curse. He is reputable at betting for a team to win, but the team eventually loses nearly all the time.

YouTube video

On the other hand, Lil Wayne has nothing to do with sport. Nonetheless, when it came to his performance at the Miami Open, he did so well that he made Ostapenko dance to every lyric verse. The 2017 French Open champion won her Miami opening match, beating German Laura Siegemund. She eventually lost to Anna Kalinskaya in the third round.

FS Video

Nevertheless, the opening concert of the tournament was pretty much the best part of Ostapenko’s Miami campaign. The Latvian said Lil Wayne’s songs were wild, but nice.

I think it was a nice but honestly the part of the concert where Lil Wayne performed was way better. I don't know but I felt he's wild and the music was nice. When it was Drake, I was just standing. I was not dancing much. When Lil Wayne came out I was dancing every single song.
Jelena Ostapenko said via Tennis Channel

Lil Wayne posted this video on his Instagram story.

Thank you da luv @JelenaOstapenko.
Lil Watne wrote in his caption

Jelena Ostapenko earns first grass season win in Eastbourne

Jelena Ostapenko won her first grass season match at the Eastbourne Open beating Greet Minnen in an hour and 29 minutes. The World No.13 defeated the Belgian qualifier 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 to reach the second round of the tournament.

Jelena Ostapenko
Jelena Ostapenko (via Imago)

The Latvian has had much success in Eastbourne on several occasions. She won the tournament in 2021 and was unbeaten until the final in 2022, losing to Petra Kvitova.

I think the surface suits me really well. The first time I played on grass, I was like, 'how can we play tennis on this surface? I don't understand what's happening here'. But then every year was better and better.
Jelena Ostapenko said after her win via WTA

She will be facing British Katie Boulter in the second round of the tournament as she hopes to regain the Eastbourne title. Ostapenko won the Linz Open in February and will be hoping to add another title to the tally.

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