Barbora Krejcikova’s chance of a lifetime. Will she become Roland Garros champion?

Women’s Rolland Garros 2021 is full of big twists and surprises. The current era of women’s tennis is the most balanced in history. No one dominates, the quality of the women’s game is very similar, the little things make the difference, virtually anyone can win. The biggest favourites dropped out early and the composition of the final is totally unexpected. Pavlyuchenkova and Krejcikova will battle it out for the title of a lifetime. Will the Czech finish her fairytale ride with her dream title? Will she be able to seize this tremendous opportunity and climb the tennis Everest?

Barbora Krejcikova has been a revelation in recent months. In the past, she has garnered success especially in doubles. She has won 2 Grand Slam titles and has been world number one. But in singles, it still hasn’t been the same. The turning point came at the end of last season and it was at the French Open.

How symbolic. The Czech made it to the eight finals and made it into the top 100. Since then, she has been rocketing up the singles rankings. In March, she played the final at a major tournament in Dubai and earned herself a move into the Top 50. This has given her a huge boost and she has clearly shown it in recent weeks.

She won her maiden title in Strasbourg and started her winning run. She maintained her form at Rolland Garros and gradually worked her way through the tournament. She first came to prominence in the 3rd round when she overwhelmingly defeated Svitolina.

After that, we all know the story. Then she knocked out Stephens and made a sensational run to the final with wins over Gauff and Sakkari. She’s come so far with her great variety of play, great fight and nerves of steel. Considering that she is only starting at a Grand Slam for the fifth time, this is a miracle.

The last hurdle on her way to the title will be Russia’s Pavlyuchenkova. She’s been a top tennis player for a long time. Practicing an aggressive style full of winners. She’s also helped by a great serve.

The Russian has also been in great form over the last month. At the Madrid tournament, she scored a scalp against Pliskova or Brady and reached the semi-finals. That was a hint that things could be solid at the French Open as well.

Pavlyuchenkova has become the executioner of the big favourites at the clay grand slams. In the first week, she managed to knock out both Sabalenka and Azarenka. Players who definitely had their sights set on the title.

These wins suggested that the Russian could go far. And that’s what happened. She subsequently confirmed her role as favourite against both Rybakina and Zidanshek and will play for her dream Grand Slam title.

What are Krejcikova’s prospects?

With a bit of exaggeration, we can say that according to the form, the 2 best players of today have advanced to the final. Krejcikova won the title in Strasbourg, pulling a streak of 11 wins in a row. Pavlyuchenkova has won 10 of her last 11 matches, scalping Pliskova, Sabalenka, Azarenka.

Both tennis players are in the final, deservedly so. At the same time, this is a huge opportunity for both Krejcikova and Pavlyuchenkova. To have such a playable opponent in a Grand Slam final? It’s practically unheard of. For both of them, this could be an opportunity that may never come again.

The Czech is within reach of winning a grand slam. All that’s left to do is to take the last and hardest step. The little things will make all the difference. Krejcikova’s big advantage is her psyche. She doesn’t collapse in big moments, she has been able to turn matches around even though she has faced match points.

In the last few matches she has shown unbreakable fight and nerves of steel. She has the attributes that characterize champions. Even in terms of experience, the Czech knows what she’s getting into. Grand Slam doubles titles can be very helpful in this regard.

The biggest match of her career awaits her. She could become only the 2nd Czech to win a title at Rolland Garros. Will the Grand Slam singles laurel return to the Czech Republic after 7 years? It is in Krejcikova’s power to bring this fairytale journey to a victorious end. The title is almost within reach. Krejcikova is one match away from tennis immortality. Can she do it?

Source: Roland Garros