Barbora Krejcikova did the unthinkable on Saturday, preventing Iga Swiatek from winning her third straight Middle East title. Facing the Pole in the final of the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships, Krejcikova prevailed 6-4, 6-2, also ending Swiatek’s six-match winning streak since the Qatar Open.
Speaking to the press after her maiden WTA 1000 triumph, the former French Open champion lavished praise on the World No.1 and said she would love the chance to train with her in the future as she was “so dedicated” to tennis.
“[Iga Swiatek]’s No. 1. It has more than 10,000 points. She is winning everything. She had an incredible run last year. I mean, this year too. Last week she played amazing,” Krejcikova said. “This week I watched her matches, she was in very good shape, in very good shape. It’s great if I get a chance to practice with her because she’s very dedicated to tennis.”
Barbora Krejcikova added that she has “a lot of respect” for the 21-year-old, both for her tennis skills and her mental toughness. She also praised Swiatek as a “great motivation” for her, revealing that watching her win trophy after trophy of her own made her want to do the same.
“[Iga Swiatek] gives 100% every time. I mean, it’s amazing that at such a young age he’s so clear-headed that what he wants, he’s capable of achieving it. I respect her a lot, as I already said on the court,” Krejcikova said. “I mean, to me, she’s just a huge motivator. She’s just a great motivator. I see what she’s doing and, I mean, I want to do the same.”
“I’m not yet at that stage of winning every tournament on tour” – Barbora Krejcikova on whether to follow Iga Swiatek’s path of switching from doubles to singles
While Barbora Krejcikova is no slouch on the singles tour, she is even more of a force to be reckoned with in doubles, having clinched the Career Grand Slam with partner Katerina Siniakova.
However, following her newfound singles success, Krejcikova was asked at the press conference if she was looking to focus more on this particular category, similar to the decision Iga Swiatek had made earlier.
The 27-year-old laughed at the question, joking that she didn’t win enough titles like Swiatek to justify transitioning as a full-time singles player. However, Krejcikova admitted that she really enjoyed playing doubles to give up, adding that she will try to continue in both events as much as possible.
“I understand why [Iga Swiatek]is not playing I get it because, I mean, when he’s winning all the tournaments, it’s hard. I have to say that I am not yet at that stage of winning every tournament on the tour,” Krejcikova said. “It’s a long way to go. I definitely love doubles. I love playing. I really enjoy it. I mean, so far I want to continue in both categories, I just try to do my best.”