The world number 1 Iga Świątek came close to lifting her 12th at the Ostrava Open. However, Barbora Krejcikova proved to be too good when it mattered most. The Czech prevailed in three sets (5-7;7-6;6-3).
It’s quite a performance that Barbora Krejcikova achieved on Sunday. In seven finals played since the start of the season, Iga Swiątek was never denied the title so far, especially at the French Open and in Flushing Meadows. But, in front of her audience, the Czech managed to bring down the world number 1 after an intense final lasting more than three hours.
https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek/status/1579251475041366017?s=20&t=UUrKUoytih7BjW7lHJOuvA
A match that Iga Swiatek started with a bang, winning five games in a row shortly after having been broken. She quickly led 5-2 and was serving for the gain of the first set.
It was then that the Czech raised her head, dismissed a set point on her serve, and equalised at five games all with authority. But, again, missing three balls to pass in front of the scoreboard. Eventually, Iga managed to break again and lead one set to nothing.
Not impressed, the local player replied by taking the service of the Pole from the first game of the second set. Both players were fiercely battling and stayed shoulder to shoulder along the second set, which had to be decided in a tie-break. Winning six of the first seven exchanges, the Czech still had to wait for her fourth set point to equalise and add suspense to this thrilling final.
The ultimate set did not go Iga’s way. Quickly broken, the best the Pole could do is delay the inevitable outcome of the match by saving as many as five match points. Eventually, after three hours and seventeen minutes, Krejcikova sealed the deal.
This Monday, the Czech entered the top 15 of the WTA ranking. When it comes to Iga, this disappointing final did not have a significant impact on her comfortable position on the throne of world number 1. With 5600 points more than her follower Ons Jabeur, the Pole is virtually assured to stay on the top of the WTA ranking at least until spring.
Image: Twitter (iga_swiatek)
Author: Sébastien Meuwissen
