Australian Open star branded a 'spoilt brat' after entire coaching box forced to exit stadium

Australian Open star branded a 'spoilt brat' after entire coaching box forced to exit stadium

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 18/01/2024

- 17:33

Jelena Ostapenko appeared to kick out everyone in her player's box during her win over Ajla Tomljanovic to reach the third round of the Australian Open.

Jelena Ostapenko's tantrum on court in sending everyone in her box packing midway through her win over Ajla Tomljanovic hasn't gone down well with some Australian Open viewers.

When the women's singles draw was made, many eyes were drawn to the prospect of a grudge match between Ostapenko and Tomljanovic.


The pair were involved in a heated exchange at Wimbledon in 2021, when the Australian tennis ace confronted her opponent at the net in an explosive row.

The duo continued their war of words in their respective press conferences with Tomljanovic calling Ostapenko's behaviour "terrible".

Jelena Ostapenko kicked her entire box out the arena

Jelena Ostapenko kicked her entire box out the arena

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But there appeared to be nothing but respect between the two rivals on the court on Thursday as they battled through a tense three-set match.

Instead, Ostapenko seemingly focused her rage during the match at her own box and she regularly argued with her coaches.

Several occasions saw the Latvian tennis star gesture for at least one of her party to leave the arena.

Ostapenko had enough in the third set, despite breaking the Australian's serve and lost her temper to the point where everyone in her box left the stadium.

And her antics on court left some viewers disgusted, who felt Ostapenko had overstepped the mark.

One spectator fumed on X, formerly Twitter: "Ostapenko has an utterly shocking attitude, simply disgraceful behaviour to her box."

Another didn't hold back and said: "The only thing I will remember from this match is that Ostapenko is a massive torment to her opponent, fans, and umpires. She’s a cancer to the game of tennis and should be fined for her BS until she finally grows tf up."

A third angrily posted: "Seen some real spoilt brat kind of behaviour in the Ostapenko game really doesn’t make u want to watch that kind of #tennis her team must be embarrassed with the bad sport."

A fourth came up with a nickname for the Latvian star, calling her: "Jelena “Lady Tantrum” Ostapenko!!!"

Another asked: "Anyone more unlikeable than Ostapenko in women’s sport?"

Jelena Ostapenko argued with her box throughout the match

Jelena Ostapenko argued with her box throughout the match

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One other person wrote: "Ostapenko once again throwing her toys out of her cot. Is there ever a time when she’s not carrying on?!"

Ostapenko's anger throughout the match subsided after she won and shared a warm embrace with Tomljanovic at the net.

And the 26-year-old even offered some nice words for Tomljanovic as well as thanking those who stayed behind in the stands.

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Jelena Ostapenko lost her cool with her coaches

Jelena Ostapenko lost her cool with her coaches

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Ostapenko said: “First of all it’s great to see her back. I know injuries are really tough.

"It’s great to see her play well and fight. Sometimes when the first set goes too easy, when you play too well, it’s the hardest part of the game.

"I knew it wouldn’t be easy in the second set because obviously I played really well in the first set. I’m glad I managed to win it in the third.

"Thanks guys for staying so late. It’s been a long day. But the night finished well for me so I’m happy to be through.”

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