The epic three-set match between Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova at the Ostrava Open was chosen as the best WTA match of 2022.
On an October afternoon, world no. 1, Iga Swiatek, and one of the best Czech players, Barbora Krejcikova met in a real battle. Ostrava, which is one of the largest cities in the Czech Republic, situated close to Poland, was clearly the best setting for this clash, welcoming tennis fans from both countries.
With both players cruising through the draw, it was time for the final showdown, and what a battle it was. In 2022, Swiatek has won all the final matches that she played, and she was also favoured in this one, but it was never going to be easy, especially against a Czech player in the Czech Republic.
But the Pole opened well, winning the first set 7-5, before Krejcikova fought back and won the second set in the tie-break, 7-4. The Czech player eventually pulled through, winning the match 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3 in what was a three-hour and eighteen-minute battle of determination, will, and skill.
Now, a few months after that match is over, fans chose it as the best WTA match of the 2022 season, ahead of others in a popular vote because it showed the best player in the world, Swiatek, losing the first final of the year to home player Krejcikova.
The match was incredible in many ways, but it also included supporters since Krejcikova had Czech nationals rooting for her in great numbers.
Fans can watch some incredible condensed highlights on YouTube, as well as the entire match, which the WTA uploaded after it was selected as the best match of the year, and those that had a chance to attend it will hope to get a rematch some time in 2023.