“Got Really Inspired”: Barbora Krejcikova Credits Simona Halep for Shaping Her Clay Court Game

At the French Open 2021, Barbora Krejcikova lifted her maiden Grand Slam title. Notably, she also won the doubles titles with compatriot Katerina Siniakova. Now, contesting on home turf in Prague, the Czech professional revealed that she gains inspiration from 2018 Roland-Garros champion Simona Halep for her clay-court game.

Unfortunately, the Romanian World No.9 could not participate at this year’s French Open and Wimbledon Championships due to a pertaining calf injury. Still, there is no official news on her return to the tennis tour. However, Halep indirectly helped Krejcikova realize her biggest dream come true.

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Barbora Krejcikova reveals the influence of Simona Halep on her French Open 2021 success

Recently, the 25-year-old booked her place in the pre-quarters in the WTA Prague Open 2021. She overcame Bulgarian Isabella Shinikova 6-2, 6-3. Also, it marked her 30th match win of the season.

Interestingly, Krejcikova had met Halep in the pre-quarters last year in this tournament. Although she took one set from the Romanian, she went down in three sets. Later on, Halep won the Prague title.

Looking back, the Czech professional opened up on looking up to and learning from the former World No.1. Krejcikova said, “I was actually watching all of her matches and, in its own way, I got experience from that, and I got really inspired by her.”

Now, she looks forward to playing more matches and seeing the crowd, hoping to inspire them.

Second seed Krejcikova will next face Belgian Ysaline Bonaventure for a place in the last eight. A glory here could bring her the third WTA title of her career.

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Halep congratulated Krejcikova on her maiden Grand Slam triumph

Even though Halep could not play the French Open, she watched it unfold on her television. Besides, she even congratulated the unseeded champion Krejcikova.

In Prague, the Czech professional reflected upon how things are after being a Grand Slam winner. “I’m still the same me,” Krejcikova said. “I’m just really enjoying being here, playing in front of fans.”

In conclusion, she mentioned that everything is “special and nice,” and she is “grateful” to be there.

All in all, it would be intriguing to see where Krejcikova takes her career from here on. Hopefully, she will keep on her winning ways and show some of her best tennis at the last Grand Slam event, the US Open 2021.

Do you think Krejcikova will do well in New York?

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