Jelena Ostapenko’s Unique Entrepreneurial Venture
Jelena Ostapenko, the Latvian tennis star, has caught the attention of her peers, particularly Jessica Pegula, with her unconventional approach to generating extra income. Known for her impressive achievements, including winning the French Open in 2017 and the women’s doubles at the US Open in 2024, Ostapenko has amassed more than $18 million in earnings throughout her career. She also famously secured a Porsche as part of her victory at a clay-court event in Stuttgart, where she notably defeated top players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
Ostapenko’s Instagram Marketplace
Most recently, though, fans were taken aback to find Ostapenko selling a variety of used items on an Instagram account she manages. This list of goods included everyday items such as used beauty products and vacuum cleaners—items one might expect affluent individuals to discard rather than sell. During a discussion on The Player’s Box Podcast, Pegula expressed her surprise at this entrepreneurial endeavor, yet she acknowledged and praised the range of items available for purchase.
Pegula enthusiastically called out Ostapenko’s Instagram shop, affectionately naming it “Jelena’s Marketplace” and highlighting the eclectic mix of products, which included a Dyson vacuum cleaner, clothes, and perfumes. She noted, “It’s kind of a random assortment, but it’s interesting to see what she’s decided to offer for sale. It’s clever for her to make a little extra cash whenever she can.”
The candid Pegula expressed her astonishment but also admiration for Ostapenko’s initiative, stating, “We kind of absolutely love it and we’re eager to see what she posts next. Selling a Dyson vacuum is a legitimate purchase!”
Humorous Anecdotes from the Podcast
In a different segment of the podcast, Pegula also shared a humorous experience from the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals held in Shenzhen. She recalled an awkward moment when a cleaning lady entered her hotel bathroom while she was showering, leading to a comical yet challenging interaction due to the language barrier between them. After a lengthy attempt to communicate her desire for privacy, the cleaning lady finally exited once she realized Pegula was not looking for cleaning services at that moment.
Pegula’s podcast, alongside her co-hosts Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk, features a series of amusing anecdotes and insights from their lives on and off the court, including Pegula’s humorous encounters with customer service overseas.
