Swiatek loses first final of 2022 as Krejcikova plays superb tennis to stun her in a thriller
The 2022 Ostrava Open takes place in Ostrava, Czech Republic only a few minutes away from the border with Poland and so during the final match between Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova, there was no shortage of loud applauses and supporting.
After winning last year's Roland Garros, Barbora Krejcikova didn't have the best season but during the last two WTA events, she showed her qualities. First, she triumphed in Tallinn and then, she moved to her home country to compete at the 2022 Ostrava Open where she met world no. 1, Iga Swiatek in the final.
Both players entered the final match with a very good winning streak as the Polish player won 10 previous matches while her opponent won eight matches in a row.
In the first set, Swiatek had already 5-1 lead and looked to finish it quickly, but supported by a home crowd, Krejcikova fought back and could even go a break up. However, she couldn't do that and after an hour and 13 minutes, world no. 1 won the first set 7-5.
After players traded breaks in the second set, it had to be decided in a tie-break as Swiatek got only two points away from winning in the twelfth game. Yet, Krejcikova won the tie-break 7-4 and forced the third set.
After seven solid service games, Krejcikova broke her opponent to love before winning the longest game of the match and sealing the champion's trophy with 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3.
Both players hit more winners than unforced errors and so the quality of this match is obvious also from this stat. While the young Pole hit 42 winners and only 30 unforced errors, her Czech opponent hit 44 winners and 41 unforced errors.
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