Krejcikova knocked out Gauff 7-5, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals in the end-of-season championships
Barbora Krejcikova, from the Czech Republic, won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2021. The following year, she achieved a career high rank of #2but injuries cut short her time at the helm.
After a two-month layoff last spring due to a back injury, she cruised through the draw at the All England Club and won her second Grand Slam title, defeating Jasmine Paolini in three thrilling sets.
Although she did not qualify for WTA Finals with a top-eight ranking, the twenty-eight-year-old earned the final spot as a Grand Slam champion with a top-20 ranking. currently ranked #13it is planted 8th in Riyadh. She lost her opening round match to Iga Swiatek in a tight three-setter and then dispatched Jessica Pegula in straight lines.
Coco Gauff, from the United States, ranks #3 and planted #3. In her first two matches, the twenty-year-old beat compatriot Pegula and the world #2 Swiatek on twelve game losing streak.
This was the second tournament-level meeting between the Grand Slam champions. Krejcikova won the trophy in Paris en route to her first Grand Slam title.
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Gauff won the toss and elected to serve. She did 4/6 first serve including an ace to the tee for 1-0 while Krejcikova did 3/4 first serve including an ace out wide on the level.
Gauff hit two aces in a row and easily held 15 ABOUT 2-1 while Krejcikova did 3/5 first serves and is held for him 15 for equality. The American hit her fourth ace but faced break points and dropped serve after two consecutive forehand errors.
The reigning Wimbledon champion lost 4/6 serves first, but managed to consolidate the break for 4-2 when her opponent scored the return. the world #3 served her first double fault and faced two points but was stopped 3-4 with well-hit serves including two additional aces.
Krejcikova opened the eighth with a spectacular forehand down the line and held on 5-3 when Gauff made a hand approach. of 2023 US The open champion served to stay in the set and with three outstanding aces, held for 4-5.
As the pressure penetrates and discharges the Gauff from the ground, 8Seed committed four unforced errors and dropped serve. Gauff lost 3/4 first serves including a double fault and was broken by love.
Krejcikova served once more for the set and was tested. Despite facing three deuces and four break points, she secured it 7-5 with four outstanding winners, including a back-to-back run on the line to achieve it.
Gauff served first in the second and easily held 15 while Krejcikova faced two break points, but held. Gauff did 4/6 first serves and is held for him 30 ABOUT 2-1 while Krejcikova lost 5/6 the former still serves at level.
The American opened the fifth with new balls, her tenth ace, and held 30 while Krejcikova hit two aces in a row and held 15 ABOUT 3-3. Gauff held easily 15 ABOUT 4-3 and Krejcikova equalized with a powerful forehand.
Gauff served another double fault and dropped serve when her opponent pressed a backhand crosscourt. Krejcikova served for the match and #1 place in the Orange Group. after 10 ½ minute and a bunch of unforced errors, the old world #2 converted him 3Third match point after facing five deuces and four break points.
It was a sublime performance from the two-time Grand Slam champion. She used her versatility and exceptional court coverage to confuse her opponent. It ended with 4 as, 0 double faults and won 64First % and 65% of second serve points. She escaped 11/12 breakpoints during conversion 3/4 and hit 22 the winners of 19 unforced errors.
With this round win, she avoids having to play in #1 in the Purple Group, Aryna Sabalenka. In the semifinals, she will battle Australian Open finalist and Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng. This will be their second meeting at tournament level. Zheng prevailed in three last fall in a strong outdoor field at the Zhengzhou Open.
