Barbora Krejcikova claims maiden French Open singles title

The 25-year-old will also play in the women's doubles final.

The French Open 2021 saw a first-time singles Grand Slam winner as Czech Tennis star Barbora Krejcikova defeated Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in a three-set encounter.

Barbora Krejcikova, who was unseeded in the competition, won her sixth Grand Slam title after previously emerging victorious in the doubles category at the 2018 French Open and Wimbledon respectively. She also won three straight Australian Open mixed doubles titles from 2019 to 2021.

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The final saw both players push each other to the extremes before the former World No. 1 in doubles broke free from the Russian’s pressure to claim the third set.

Road to the Finals

The absence of several high profile names did not deter the competitive spirit of Krejcikova and Pavlyuchenkova who put in brilliant performances to qualify for the finals. The Czech had memorable outings in the opening rounds, with her signature win coming against fifth seeded Elina Svitolina in the third round, beating her in straight sets to advance. Krejcikova saw off the challenge from American Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals before surviving a tough ordeal against Maria Sakkari in the semifinals.

Pavlyuchenkova dealt with third seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the third round before beating former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka in the fourth round. She came out on top of Elena Rybakina in a tough quarterfinal outing before beating Slovenian Tamara Zidansek in straight sets to advance to the final with Krejcikova.

Bright start for Krejcikova

The match started on a good note for the Russian as she made Barbora Krejcikova drop her serve in the first game itself. However, an inspired push saw the 25-year old win six games in a row to break Pavlyuchenkova’s resolve and take the first set. The Russian failed to utilize her strength on her serve. She also coughed up too many unforced errors, which her opponent duly took advantage of.

Fight back from Pavlyuchenkova

The 31st seed quickly turned the game around when she won the first three games of the second set. She continued her dominance to make it 5-2 but was forced to take a medical timeout after generating issues with her thigh. However, she put herself back on the court and won the eighth game of the set to tie the finals at one set apiece.

Glory for the Czech player

The 29-year-old Russian won the first game again in the third set but the Krejcikova refused to bow down. She won two straight games to inherit the lead. However, Pavlyuchenkova turned the tide in her favour to win the next two games to take a 3-2 lead in the deciding set.

Krejcikova, playing in her third consecutive match in three days put forth a stellar effort to capture three straight games and lead the final set five games to three. The Russian won the next game and set up a nervy finale. But Barbora reigned supreme, winning the 10th game to capture her maiden singles Grand Slam title.

The Czech star now has the enviable opportunity of winning two titles in one Grand Slam as she prepares for her women’s doubles finals with fellow countrywoman Katerina Siniakova. Pavlyuchenkova will be looking to use her maiden Finals appearance as a springboard for all the upcoming tournaments.

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