Barbora Krejcikova is having a resurgent fortnight! Having entered the grass slam at Wimbledon with just seven wins in the singles category this season, no one would have expected she would reach the finals at the All-England Club? While Krejcikova’s on-court prowess has been a hot topic, she’s also stirred up conversations about the sport’s elite. The Czech tennis star has reignited the burning debate, and it’s about the BIG THREE in men’s tennis. 

The GOAT debate amongst the big three men’s tennis players is one that has been spoken about around the tennis corridors for a long time. For some, it is Roger Federer. For others, it is Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal. But, who has Krejcikova sided with? Taking to her Twitter, the 28-year-old participated in a Q&A session as she waited out yet another rain delay at this year’s Championships that affected her doubles match with Laura Siegemund on Tuesday. Extending the same on Friday at the request of fans, she answered a few more and replied to a burning question as well. 

When a fan questioned Krejcikova about her favorite of the three: Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, and the reason for her choice, the 2021 French Open champion said, “Rafa and Roger.” Writing further she expressed her difficulty in choosing between the two. “Don’t make me choose. I love Roger’s grace and Rafa’s fighting spirit.” This is not the first time when the 28-year-old has resonated with such sentiments. 

In the same Q&A, when a user asked Krejcikova about her favorite tennis players, the Czech gave a similar reply on Tuesday. “Rafa, Roger. And I adored Justine Henin,” she had answered. Furthermore, she desired to play with Rafael Nadal for a doubles match if given an opportunity. While it is clear that the Wimbledon finalist finds favor in Rafa and Roger, the ‘Big Three’ of tennis have consistently shown mutual respect, often acknowledging each other as the GOAT.

In a recent discussion with Louis Vuitton, Nadal and Federer appeared to be passing on the World Number 1 baton to Djokovic. Like the big three, Krejcikova will now play a final in Wimbledon. Barbora Krejcikova is set to clash against Jasmine Paolini, but she does not seem to remember their past encounters.

‘I don’t remember…’ Barbora Krejcikova’s honest take on her previous encounters with Jasmine Paolini

Barbora Krejcikova will be facing the Italian tennis sensation Jasmine Paolini on Saturday in their final encounter. Interestingly, this is only the second time these two players have faced each other, and their last difference was on a different court. Krejcikova and Paolini faced each other in a first-round qualifying match at the 2018 Australian Open. Both of them were ranked outside the Top 100, with Krejcikova taking the victory 6-2, 6-1.

However, Krejcikova doesn’t seem to remember much about the game. Speaking in her post-match conference after defeating Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals, the Czech said, “To be honest, I don’t remember the match [against Paolini].” She further remarked, “It’s been a very long time ago. It’s been a great journey for both of us to reach the Wimbledon finals.”

As the two meet again, it will be interesting to see if Barbora Krejcikova can repeat the Australian Open episode or if Paolini turns the table.