Jelena Ostapenko cited personal reasons for her withdrawal from the ASB Classic in Auckland and now the tennis star’s Instagram posts reveal that her father Jevgenijs has passed away. Sharing a number of childhood photos with her father, the Latvian informed us of his passing.
The 22-year-old’s emotional message to her dad reads:
I know that you were there since Day 1. Unfortunately, life can take away your loved ones… You realize what you miss the most when it’s not there anymore. So don’t hesitate on saying good words & spending time together while you can because nothing can be taken for granted.