Iga Swiatek drama in Ostrava final leaves tennis world in disbelief
World No.1 Iga Swiatek was fighting back tears after losing to home favourite Barbora Krejcikova at the Ostrava Open in one of the most thrilling matches all year on the WTA Tour.
The Czech followed up her Tallinn Open victory last week - her first title of the season - with an even more impressive 5-7, 7-6, 6-4 win in front of her home fans against Swiatek.
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Something had to give with Krejcikova going for a ninth straight victory and Swiatek herself looking for an 11th straight match win in a run which started at the US Open.
And things got off to a brilliant start for the Polish World No.1 as she raced to a 5-1 lead in the first set.
However, Krejcikova fought back before eventually losing the opener.
Krejcikova then rallied to level the match after watching four set points come and go in the tiebreak.
In the decider, neither could make the key move until the eighth game, with Krejcikova finally earning the break that put her within a game of winning.
But in an extraordinary last stand, Swiatek survived five championship points before her resistance was ultimately broken to deny her an eighth tournament win in 2022.
Following the match, Swiatek was seen in tears during her runners-up speech and later admitted she was 'too emotional' after a long tournament.
She also praised Krejcikova for her back-to-back tournament victories.
🥹Too emotional and too tired right now to express how challenging and unique today has been. I am so grateful...and I just want to say congrats to @BKrejcikova
What a battle, what a performance. So great that you are back.👏🏼
More soon ✍️ pic.twitter.com/pnBvReKem6— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) October 9, 2022
Tennis fans react to Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova final
Fans quickly reacted to the remarkable match in Ostrava and the sportsmanship on display between the two stars.
Many also praised Krejcikova for showing compassion towards Swiatek during a tough moment in their post-match interviews.
Lovely seeing Krejcikova join in the standing ovation in Ostrava!!! for Swiatek, who was fighting back tears.
And then very kind words from Swiatek to Krejcikova as well.
“To many more,” Swiatek says.— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) October 9, 2022
It’s not everyday Iga Swiatek loses a final. Fantastic couple of weeks for Krejcikova, who looks healthy and back to her very best. https://t.co/3GZcOmmgki
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 9, 2022
8 finals in 15 tournaments this year (53,33%).
Not bad, right? pic.twitter.com/IdaEv3hJ0U— Out of Context Iga Świątek (@SwiatekOOC) October 9, 2022
Barbora is BACK!
After a title in Tallinn last week, Krejcikova has now won Ostrava!!!
It was always going to take something special to stop Swiatek in a final.
5-7, 7-6, 6-3 on her sixth match point. The match was gruelling and dramatic and quality. The final game was epic.— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) October 9, 2022
Iga Swiatek in tour-level finals:
❌ Lugano 2019
☑️ Roland-Garros 2020
☑️ Adelaide 2021
☑️ Rome 2021
☑️ Doha 2022
☑️ Indian Wells 2022
☑️ Miami 2022
☑️ Stuttgart 2022
☑️ Rome 2022
☑️ Roland-Garros 2022
☑️ US Open 2022
❌ Ostrava 2022
Krejcikova did the impossible today.— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) October 9, 2022
Ostrava!!! really lived up to its exclamation marks today.
A phenomenal final in a great atmosphere.
Krejcikova joined in the standing ovation for an emotional Swiatek and then Swiatek had lovely things to say about Krejcikova.
Game recognises game.
Do I spot a rivalry?!— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) October 9, 2022
Both my people lost this morning 😩 looks like it was tight between Fritz and Tiafoe but I can’t believe someone beat Swiatek
— Audrey (@audreyveronne) October 9, 2022
It was Krejcikova's first win against Swiatek, having lost their previous two meetings, as the seventh seed sealed a compelling victory.
Swiatek received plenty of cheers from the crowd having already announced her prize money would go to a charity for Mental Health Awareness week.
Krejcikova has a short turn around and will take part in the Winners Open Tuesday.
Swiatek is now expected to take part in the San Diego Open starting on Thursday.
Iga Świątek seems to be such genuinely sympathetic person. I’m not at all surprised that all Poland , whether liking tennis or not has fallen for her. https://t.co/kMjeKMCmzv
— Martin Jönsson-Niedziółka (@DrMartinJN) October 9, 2022
Iga Swiatek is donating her Ostrava prize money to charity for #MentalHealthAwareness Week. Had a similar initiative last fall at Indian Wells. “I want people to know they can use the help when they need it or help others if they have the resources.”
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) October 9, 2022
with AAP
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