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Tennis - 10. June 2017.

Opposites attract in intriguing French finale

In a battle between defence and attack, experience and youth, Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko will go head-to-head in an unlikely title match in Paris.

One carries the tag of overwhelming favourite; on the other side of the net is a free-hitting sensation flourishing in uncharted territory.

In 2014, Simona Halep, currently ranked fourth, finished runner-up in Paris. Three years later the Romanian will arrive on Philippe-Chatrier Court hoping to lift a maiden Grand Slam trophy, with the added bonus of clinching the top WTA ranking.

Having previously admitted to struggling to cope with expectations, Halep is adamant she can handle the pressure on Saturday against world No.47 Jelena Ostapenko.

“This match is really important, and I will not hide the heaviness that it has. Of course it's going to be a great thing if I can win tomorrow. But I would like not to think too much, because put more pressure (on myself)," she said.

“Of course I'm nervous, but it's nice feeling. I take the pressure because I like it. I just take it like a big day, a big match. And definitely I'm ready for it. I have also the mentality to play this final. We will see tomorrow, but I will give my best to make more people happy at home.”

Meanwhile, Ostapenko managed to oust Sam Stosur and Caroline Wozniacki with her blazing attacking brand of tennis, ahead of a 20th-birthday triumph over friend Timea Bacsinszky in the semi-finals.

The youngster received a special phone call in recognition. “A lot of calls came from Latvia, even the president of the country called,” revealed the first-time Grand Slam finalist. “So it was really nice the attention from my country.”

Ostapenko admits she didn’t expect she would be contesting the final in Paris, but courtesy of her endeavour working alongside her mother and Anabel Medina Garrigues, she is determined to grasp her opportunity.

Halep must rely on her lauded defensive capabilities to counter the game-plan that has characterised Ostapenko’s six victories so far this French Open campaign; the youngster has launched a staggering 245 winners from her fluorescent green racquet.

“I'm already in the finals and Simona is a great player. And in the match against her of course I need to stay aggressive and to play my game,” said Ostapenko. “But it's going to be a tough match and I have to be ready for it.”

The Latvian, a first player from her country to contest a major final, will no doubt stick to her guns. A keen ballroom dancer, her fancy footwork can help maintain her all-out attack.

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