BARBORA WINS FRENCH OPEN WOMEN’s SINGLES AND DOUBLES, PAYS TRIBUTE TO MENTOR NOVOTNA

Czech Krejcikova has won her first major singles title defeating Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 2-6 6-4 in the final of the French Open in Paris.

Playing in her fifth major singles draw appearance, the 25 year-old tennis star was keen to avoid the strong impression as doubles specialist having attained the position of world number one in the doubles. While her opponent Pavluchenkova, who reached the Madrid semi-finals last month was set for the tasks ahead before the start of the tournament.

They both displayed determination, resilience and classic tennis but the Strasbourg Open champion, Barbosa Krejcikova triumphed to win the Roland Garros crown. Before the final game she had remembered her mentor Jana Novotna for her impact in her career and looked forward to her first major singles title to cap a thank you for the effort, Jana died in 2017 of ovarian cancer at the age 49. .And with her victory against the 29 year–old Russian,

“I was going through a really hard time when Jana passed away, I was with her most of the time. Her last words were pretty much ‘just enjoy and try to win a Grand Slam.” Krejcikova said.

In addition to her emotional tribute to her mentor who worked as her coach before she died, Krejcikova said, “It is amazing I had the chance to meet her and she was an inspiration, I hope she is really happy and I am extremely happy.” 

Krejcikova desire to continue her good run of form appeared at the clay court, Sunday in women’s doubles with her fellow country woman Czech Katerine Siniakova. She completed her quest to better her record feat as she became the first woman to win French Open both the women’s singles and doubles crown at the French Open since France’s Mary Pierce in 2000.