Krejcikova defeats Swiatek, wins first WTA 1000 title

Barbora Krejcikova beat World No. 1 Iga Swiatek to win her first WTA 1000 title at the the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC) on Saturday (February 25). It took Krejcikova just 91 minutes to defeat top seed Swiatek with a straight sets win of 6-4, 6-2, grabbing her first singles title of the year, and the sixth of her career. The Czech, a defeated finalist in 2021, cut a delighted figure as she was presented with the event’s trophy to end a dramatic week of shocks, surprises and top-class tennis as Dubai rolled out the red carpet to mark 50 years of the WTA.
 
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At DDFTC, Krejcikova beat the world's top three players consecutively to clinch the title. "I think I showed my best tennis this week," Krejcikova said in a press conference. "I'm really happy with the way how I played, how I was able to play my tennis but also hold the nerves, just enjoy everything that was happening during this week on the court." The Czech praised her opponent, saying, "I really admire Iga for what she has done and is doing in the game, I have so much respect for her – she is an inspiration. It was a great final and I’m definitely very happy with the result.” Swiatek was magnanimous in defeat, yet already relishing the pair’s next clash: “Congrats to Barbora. I am sure we are going to have many finals, but hopefully next time it’s going to go my way because the last two went for you.” Prior to beating Swiatek in the final, Krekcikova also won against World No.8 Daria Kasatkina, Aryna Sabalenka and No.3 Jessica Pegula. Krejcikova has become the fifth player to beat the Top 3-ranked players at the same event, joining Stefanie Graff, Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Sabalenka. "It's a huge privilege," Krejcikova said about that statistic, "It's a big achievement and I think it's going to give me a lot of confidence that I can play with the best ones." ICA/Expat Media

In pictures

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