Marina Stakusic is gaining traction in what has been a tough 2025 season.
In a stunning upset, the Canadian tennis sensation defeated Latvia’s No. 3 seed, Jelena Ostapenko, with a score of 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-2 during the round of 16 at the Guadalajara Open. The highly anticipated match was postponed from Thursday due to rain delays.
At just 20 years old, Stakusic has seen herself drop to 155th in global rankings this season. She fought her way through two qualifying matches to earn a spot in the main draw of this prestigious WTA 500 event, coming off a streak of four consecutive losses.
Ostapenko currently holds the 24th position in the world rankings.
Interestingly, Stakusic also triumphed over Ostapenko in the round of 16 at last year’s Guadalajara Open.
Hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, Stakusic made headlines in late 2023 by winning three out of four singles matches against top-60 competitors, helping Canada secure the Billie Jean King Cup.
However, she has struggled to recapture that stellar form this season and missed qualifying for any Grand Slam events.
In an impressive comeback, Stakusic rallied from a 6-1, 5-1 deficit to overcome Polina Kudermetova in the first round at Guadalajara.
Stakusic is set to face off against world No. 86 Emiliana Arango from Colombia in the quarterfinals later today.
