Unseeded Krejcikova defies ranking to emerge victorious in French Open
Becomes sixth recent first-time winner of women's event
Unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova has emerged as the winner of the 2021 French Open after a thrilling 6-1 2-6 6-4 victory over Russian 31st ranked Anastasia Pavluychenkova in the final of the women’s event on Saturday.
Krejcikova, 25, was not ranked among the first 100 players this time last year, and her exploits at the French Open can become even better as she is set to compete in the doubles final alongside partner Katerina Siniakova against Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Iga Swiatek as she aims to emulate Mary Pierce in winning both the singles and doubles titles in a single year.
Krejcikova claimed numerous huge scalps on her way to glory at Roland Garros and will now rise to 15th in the WTA rankings following her feat. She has also won 12 consecutive matches and is the first Czech French Open women’s singles champion since Hana Mandlikova in 1981.