Unseeded Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic defeated seed No.31 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia 6-1 2-6 6-4 to win the 2021 French Open title. For the sixth year in a row, we’re having a first-time Grand Slam champion in Paris.
After a nervous start and a quick drop of serve, the 25-year-old Krejcikova comfortably won the next six games to take the first set in 32 minutes.
Playing in her 52nd major, Pavlyuchenkova quickly built a double break lead in the second set. Even though Krejcikova slightly recovered from 1-5 to 2-5 with a break of her own, after a medical timeout Pavlyuchenkova victoriously finished the set on her opponent’s serve.
Trailing 5-3 in the decider, Pavlyuchenkova saved two match points on her serve, but in the following game Krejcikova converted her fourth match point to join Iga Swiatek and Jelena Ostapenko as just the third unseeded champion at Roland Garros in the Open Era.
Before Pavlyuchenkova, Krejcikova eliminated Kristyna Pliskova in the first round, Ekaterina Alexandrova in the second, Elina Svitolina in the third for the second Top 10 win of her career, Sloane Stephens in the fourth round, Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals, and saved a match point against Maria Sakkari in the semis.
Krejcikova entered the tournament at a career-high ranking of No.33. The victory will take her to No.15.
Note that this was only the fifth Grand Slam appearance for Krejcikova. She has still never played in the main draw of the US Open and Wimbledon.
Paired with fellow Czech Katerina Siniakova, Krejcikova will also play the women’s doubles final against Iga Swiatek and Bethanie Mattek-Sands. (photo: Jimmie48)
