After recovering from an elbow injury, Barbora Krejcikova stated she feels fit and mentally energised to defend her championship at this year’s French Open.

Krejcikova, the Czech world number two, last competed in February at the Qatar Open, a month after winning the Australian Open doubles title with partner Katerina Siniakova.

She withdrew on the eve of Indian Wells in March due to an elbow issue she blamed on her workload in 2021.

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“I got injured and had a problem with my elbow, which I didn’t expect is going to take me away for this long,” Krejcikova revealed while talking to reporters on Friday.

“But I think it was good. I think it was worth it to have a break after such a tough last season. Right now I feel healthy, I have to knock on wood that I feel good,” she said, adding, “Also I think mentally I’m really recharged. I’m looking forward to come back on the tour, get back in a good form and play the best players.”

Last year, Krejcikova overcame Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to win the title, capping off a stunning journey from doubles specialist to Grand Slam singles winner.

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The 26-year-old will begin her title defence against French teenager Diane Parry before facing former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the last 16.

Krejcikova stated that she hoped to compete in tournaments leading up to the French Open, but after consulting with her coach, she decided to focus on being 100 percent ready for the claycourt major.

“We took this decision and I was kind of happy with that,” she said. “I was fully committed to it.”

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Krejcikova last competed in Dubai, where she lost in the round of 16 against eventual champion Jelena Ostapenko, 6-3, 6-2.

Due to her remarkable success on clay, world number one Iga Swiatek, who won the title at Roland Garros in 2020, is considered the favourite to win this year.