By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, February 24, 2023
Barbora Krejcikova aims to complete a rare triple crown achievement in Dubai.
A day after Krejcikova completed captivating comeback handing world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka her first loss of the season, she played pure party pooper today.
The 30th-ranked Czech conquered world No. 3 Jessica Pegula 6-1, 5-7, 6-0 to advance to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final for the second time the last three years. Krejcikova spoiled Pegula's 29th birthday celebration winning 25 of the 32 points played in the final set.
Tomorrow, Krecjikova will try to complete a sweep of the world's Top 3 when she faces world No. 1 Iga Swiatek for the Dubai title.
The red-hot Swiatek surged through fives games in a row dispatching fifth-seeded Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 for her sixth win in as many meetings vs. the 18-year-old American. Swiatek carries an imposing 12-2 finals record into the title match.
Former world No. 2 Krejcikova said while Iga is invincible right now, she believes she has a plan to make the Pole play off her back foot.
“It definitely gives me a lot of confidence. I think my game is improving with every match and I'm really happy with that,” said Krejcikova. “Tomorrow is going to be a new match, new day, different player, different day definitely. I just have to sleep well and try to prepare the best way because I'm going to be playing the best player in the world.”
The 30th-ranked Krejcikova said stopping Swiatek is the ultimate challenge and one that will require her to push the Pole into defensive positions.
“I have to say, it’s always a huge challenge. I love challenges," Krejcikova said. "I expect it’s going to be really difficult because she’s in a great form and she's playing well.
"I believe that I’m playing well, as well. I think that I can find a plan that can push her on the back leg. I believe that I have a chance."
Last October, Krejcikova upset Swiatek in a brilliant final before home fans in Ostrava.
A fearless Krejcikova cracked her seventh ace delivering declarative exclamation point to topple Swiatek 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3 in a pulsating Ostrava Open final.
A clash of the current and former Roland Garros champions escalated into wildly entertaining showdown leaving the packed house in Ostrava chanting both women's names in a show of respect at the end of an epic battle.
This gripping final spanned three hours, 16 minutes, saw Swiatek save five championship points and brought engaged fans to their feet countless times saluting both Grand Slam champions with ovations.
Krejcikova will need to play inspired tennis against Swiatek, who is 12-2 in 2023 with her lone losses coming to Pegula at United Cup and Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open.
Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.