Unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova sealed her rapid rise in the singles game by claiming a first major title in a hard-fought French Open final.
Krejcikova, 25, won 6-1 2-6 6-4 against Russian 31st seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at Roland Garros.
No player has won both the women’s singles and doubles titles at Roland Garros since France’s Mary Pierce in 2000.
Krejcikova sealed the first half of what could be a rare double when she served out victory with her fourth match point.
When Pavlyuchenkova hit a return long, the Czech clenched her fist in celebration and looked up to the sky as she remembered her mentor Jana Novotna.
“I’m super happy I was able to enjoy it. I’m just really happy,” said Krejcikova, who has also won two Grand Slams doubles titles.
“It is hard to put into words because I cannot believe what just happened. I cannot believe I actually won a Grand Slam.”
(BBC NEWS)
