Barbora Krejcikova is aware of the talks surrounding the rise of a new “Big Three” in the Hologic WTA Tour. She acknowledges that 2023 has seen Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, as the leading player, as well as Elena Rybakina, the Indian Wells champion, who has competed in two major finals. Additionally, World No.1 Iga Swiatek has demonstrated that she is not going to lose her footing any time soon.
Despite the hype surrounding the emergence of a new “Big Three” on the Hologic WTA Tour, Barbora Krejcikova believes she should be included in the discussion. The tennis player points out that she defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the current front-runner, and beat Iga Swiatek in the final of the first WTA 1000 of the season to win Dubai. In fact, Krejcikova has won one of the three biggest titles of the year so far.
Krejcikova shared with WTA Insider that she feels excluded from the discussion of the “Big Three” on social media. She made this comment after winning against Madison Keys in the third round of the Miami Open, despite having defeated Sabalenka and Swiatek in previous tournaments.
“What else should I do? How should I prove it again? This week, again I’m here and I’m going to prove it again so that I get into this Top 3. I want to be mentioned as well. I want to be recognized as well because I think I deserve it. I’ve had a lot of success on the tour and I just don’t get the credit.” Krejcikova said.
The Czech player Krejcikova’s assertion is valid as she has a remarkable record in recent times. In the past two years, only Swiatek with 12 titles, and Sabalenka with seven titles have won more than her six titles. During the Dubai tournament, she achieved a significant milestone by beating the top three players in the WTA rankings, making her the fifth player in WTA history to do so. Furthermore, Swiatek has only lost two finals since 2019, and both of those defeats came at the hands of Krejcikova.
Aryna Sabalenka to face Barbora Krejcikova in Miami Open Round of 16
Aryna Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open, will face Barbora Krejcikova, a former French Open champion, for the third straight tournament in the Round of 16 of the Miami Open. Sabalenka secured a comfortable 6-1, 6-2 win over Marie Bouzkova to reach this stage. After taking a medical timeout for an upper left leg problem during her second-round win over Shelby Rogers, Sabalenka dominated the match from the start.
To reach the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, Aryna Sabalenka will have to face Barbora Krejcikova, who recently won the Dubai Championship and beat Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Iga Swiatek in the process. This will be the third time they will face each other in consecutive tournaments. Sabalenka acknowledged that facing Krejcikova would be difficult but revealed that her strategy would be to put a lot of pressure on the Czech player.
Sabalenka acknowledged Krejcikova’s talent and ability to place the ball wherever she desires. She stated that it would be difficult to face her and that the key to winning would be to apply a lot of pressure and play aggressively. Sabalenka added that Krejcikova is an excellent player, and matches against her are always challenging.
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