Barbora Krejcikova Advances To Second Round Of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Dubai, UAE – February 14 2022: Barbora Krejcikova struggled to overcome tournament wild card Caroline Garcia and earn a place in the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday. The number two seed and 2021 Dubai finalist was stretched in each set before emerging with a 6-4 7-6 victory.
Garcia made the better start, winning her first two service games at love before holding the first break point of the match to lead 3-1. But Krejcikova resisted the early pressure, held serve and then broke at love to lead 3-2 and that was enough to secure her the opening set.
Watch Match Highlights
After exchanging breaks to begin the second set, Krejcikova broke at love to lead 3-2 but then failed to serve out the match at 5-4, dropping her own serve at love before dominating the tiebreak 7-0.
“In the very first match of the tournament we have enjoyed an exciting battle involving our finalist of last year, Barbora Krejcikova, whose success here set her on the road to the world’s top 10,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free. “We could not have wished for a better beginning and we eagerly look forward to more wonderful matches in the days ahead.”
More: Photos: First-Round WTA Action in Dubai
In contrast to Krejcikova’s struggle, sixth seed Iga Swiatek took just 65 minutes to overcome another former Dubai finalist, 2018 runner-up Daria Kasatkina, 6-1 6-2.
“I love the fact that I could be aggressive and actually play the same way I did on practises because I was practising really, really solid,” said Swiatek. “I’m pretty glad this year we have fans. I could see Polish community coming. They’re always very supportive. It’s giving me, like, plenty of energy and motivation.”
Jessica Pegula earned a 6-4 6-4 win over her Dubai doubles partner, Cori Gauff. Both players struggled to gain an advantage, but although 10 breaks of serve suggests a scrappy battle there were many excellent rallies that provided great entertainment. Drama and uncertainty lasted right to the end, as Pegula had to fight off two break points before sealing victory on her fourth match point.
The qualifying rounds have been completed, and Marta Kostyuk will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka, Elena-Gabriela Ruse plays third seed Paula Badosa, Katerina Siniakova will play fourth seed and defending champion Garbine Muguruza, Marketa Vondrousova is drawn against Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins, Varvara Gracheva plays Ajla Tomljanovic and Dayana Yastremska faces Irina-Camelia Begu. Tomljanovic and Jil Teichmann received places in the main draw as lucky losers.
“We congratulate those who have successfully come through the qualifying rounds to reach the main draw,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “And although many of them have been drawn against formidable opposition, they will drawn confidence and inspiration from the fact that they have already won matches on these courts in the past few days. For that reason, none of the seeds they face will take their opponent lightly.”
The WTA event continues until 19th February, and then between 21st and 26th February the tournament celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ATP Tour 500 tournament when world number one Novak Djokovic will be bidding for his sixth Dubai title. For ticket information, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/tickets/
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
