Krejcikova wins French Open, dedicates victory to Novotna
Barbora Krejcikova won her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open on Saturday, beating Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to become the first Czech woman in 40 years to conquer Roland Garros, and dedicated her victory to former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna, who died four years ago.
Krejcikova, ranked 33rd in the world and playing just her fifth main draw in a Slams singles event, triumphed 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 for a second career title. The 25-year-old emulates compatriot Hana Mandlikova, who claimed the trophy in Paris in 1981.
The 25-year-old Krejcikova paid an emotional tribute to her mentor Novotna, who died of cancer at the age of 49 in 2017.
“It’s hard to put into words. I cannot believe I have just won a Grand Slam,” said Krejcikova, who was still outside the top 100 when the 2020 French Open took place last October.
“I spent a lot of time with Jana before she died. Her last words to me were ‘enjoy tennis and try and win a Grand Slam’. I know she’s looking after me. All this is pretty much because she is looking after me. It was amazing that I got the chance to meet her. She was such an inspiration. I miss her, and I hope she’s really happy.”
Krejcikova, who can also win a third Grand Slam women’s doubles title on Sunday with partner Katerina Siniakova, was presented with the trophy by Czech-born Martina Navratilova, who won two French Opens as an American citizen.
Krejcikova will rise to number 15 in the world as a result of her win on Saturday as she became the sixth successive first-time major winner in Paris. Pavlyuchenkova was playing in her first Slam final at the 52nd attempt, and was attempting to become the third-oldest first-time winner of a major.