Rivalries in tennis are common. But what happens when it glides into your personal life as well? This is what happened between Daria Kasatkina and Jelena Ostapenko. However, thanks to Kasatkina’s girlfriend, Natalia Zabaiiako, this rivalry now seems to be a thing of the past. During an interview, Zabaiiako revealed how she made it happen with the help of their video blog “What the Vlog”.

Daria Kasatkina and Natalia Zabaiiako’s “What the Vlog” has featured many tennis players like Coco Guaff, Daria Saville, etc. But among them, one has almost become a regular nowadays- Jelena Ostapenko. However, this was not the case initially. As Zabaiiako revealed, “Dasha and her were not in a good relationship. I was like, ‘No, we need to do this.’ I had to go to her to ask questions and I was so scared the first time.” As she mentioned, Daria Kasatkina and Jelena Ostapenko do have a history that dates back to their junior days.

Earlier this year, Daria Kasatkina even admitted that she previously “had issues” with Ostapenko. And indeed so. When they played against each other in the 2017 Charleston Open, things were not great between them. And it became obvious during the US Open later that year when Ostapenko said, “I don’t know her”, resulting in a rift between them. 

But through Zabaiiako’s initiative, Daria Kasatkina recently announced in her vlog, “We’re teaming up for the first time! Maybe one day we can play doubles!” referring to a reunion between her and Ostapenko. And soon, a few appearances later, their on-screen dynamic became an instant hit among the fans. Recalling the rift, Zabaiiako further added, “They were young and stupid. Now they are mature.”

While both enjoy their newfound friendship nowadays, Ostapenko revealed how one aspect of the vlog still surprises her.

Ostapenko shares how Daria Kasatkina and her girlfriend’s Vlog can sometimes “come out of nowhere!” during the tour

Jelena Ostapenko is currently busy in her Italian Open match. But amid the intensity and high-action matches, she explained how the couple’s Vlog sometimes catches her off guard. “Sometimes they come out of nowhere! When I don’t expect them, they’re right there.”

The Latvian player further continued, “That’s the fun part because you’re not expecting an interview, you can be yourself. Sometimes they have serious questions but sometimes they’re just, like … opening the water in Madrid and Dasha says, ‘Oh cheers, we’re getting some beer.’” However, Ostapenko has also admitted previously how their vlog makes “life on tour easier”. Like Daria Kasatkina, she shared that it creates a “more relaxed atmosphere” during the tour. 

The vlog, which first made its way to the fans back in 2018, has already amassed 47.5K subscribers. Through their vlogs, fans get a glimpse behind the scenes of players’ lives on tour. And ultimately, it is helping the athletes and entertaining the audience as well. Therefore, as time goes by, we all hope to see more of such glimpses alongside the evolution of beautiful friendships, like that of Daria Kasatkina and Jelena Ostapenko.