Hard to put into words: Barbora Krejcikova after winning French Open

Barbora Krejcikova, on Saturday, became the first Czech woman in 40 years to win a French Open title. She beat Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 for a second career title. During the post-match ceremony, she gave an emotional tribute to her mentor, former Wimbledon champion, Jana Novotna, who died four years ago due to cancer.

“It’s hard to put into words. I cannot believe I have just won a Grand Slam,” said Krejcikova who was still outside the top 100 when the 2020 French Open took place last October.

“I spent a lot of time with Jana before she died. Her last words to me were ‘enjoy tennis and try and win a Grand Slam’.

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“I know she’s looking after me. All this is pretty much because she is looking after me.

“It was amazing that I got the chance to meet her. She was such an inspiration. I miss her and I hope she’s really happy.”

The last Czech woman to win the trophy was Hana Mandlikova, who won at Roland Garros in 1981.

Krejcikova, who can also win a third Grand Slam women’s doubles title on Sunday with partner Katerina Siniakova, was presented with the trophy by Czech-born Martina Navratilova who won two French Opens as an American citizen.

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Krejcikova will rise to number 15 in the world as a result of her win on Saturday as she became the sixth successive first-time major winner in Paris.