Final:
Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (31) (Russia)
Krejcikova, not helped by double faults, needed to save three break points in the opening game - she couldn’t save the third, and Pavlyuchenkova was ahead 1-0.
The Russian saved a break point in the next game, but Krejcikova hit an amazing defensive forehand lob to break with her second chance. 1-1.
With her backhand working well, Krejcikova held serve to lead 2-1. A Pavlyuchenkova backhand winner wasn’t enough to stop Krejcikova setting up two more break chances. Pavlyuchenkova saved one with a drop shot of her own, and the second with a backhand down the line.
A third break point arose and was converted after a repeated wide Pavlyuchenkova backhand.
Krejcikova consolidated, sealing her service game with a forehand winner and an ace. 4-1.
Errors from the Russian racquet saw her at 0-30 and an overhead into the net presented Krejcikova with three more break points. The break arrived on the second of these, when Pavlyuchenkova’s forehand sailed wide.
Serving for the set, Krejcikova received a backhand return winner from Pavlyuchenkova. A double fault and 0-30. An ace for some relief. A long Pavlyuchenkova forehand and 30-30. A service winner for set point. Another long Pavlyuchenkova forehand and the first set was over. Krejcikova 6-1.
In the opening game of set two, Pavlyuchenkova used the drop shot to effect, but found it hard to handle the variety and defence of Krejcikova. A Czech forehand winner brought up break point. Saved by a Russian forehand winner. Well held by Pavlyuchenkova 1-0.
A stunning return winner from Pavlyuchenkova and then a forehand cross court winner. A Pavlyuchenkova drop shot winner put Krejcikova down 0-40.
Two break points saved through Russian mistakes. A Pavlyuchenkova backhand down the line achieved the break.
Pavlyuchenkova now reading the play better, and more confident in her shot selection and execution. The break consolidation occurred for the loss of just one point, and Pavlyuchenkova led 3-0.
Pavlyuchenkova’s backhand producing the goods, but so too the Krejcikova drop shot, and her big forehand. A Pavlyuchenkova backhand winner ensured her hold of serve and 4-1.
A return winner from Pavlyuchenkova put Krejcikova at 0-30. The Czech player responded with a backhand winner, but still ended up at 15-40,
The two break points were saved. However, a double fault and a Czech error handed a second break to Pavlyuchenkova and she would serve for the set at 5-1.
Krejcikova hit a return forehand winner. Pavlyuchenkova missed a forehand. Krejcikova produced three errors and Pavlyuchenkova had a set point. Saved. Break point after a Pavlyuchenkova mistake. Saved. Break point after a Czech backhand winner. Pavlyuchenkova broken following a Krejcikova forehand winner. 2-5.
Medical time out for Pavlyuchenkova.
Backhand down the line winner from Krejcikova helped but errors allowed Pavlyuchenkova to reach set point. A Pavlyuchenkova backhand winner gave her the set 6-2. Must have been some good medicine.
Both players opened the decider with relatively comfortable service holds. Third game and backhand winners from each for 15-30. A drop shot winner from Krejcikova and two break points. Double fault and Krejcikova broke for 2-1.
Pavlyuchenkova converted the third of three break back points with a winning forehand. 2-2.
Pavlyuchenkova was 15-30, but finished off the game well, including an ace at 30-30, to lead 3-2.
A quick Krejcikova love game levelled things at 3-3.
Two Pavlyuchenkova errors and 0-30. A Krejcikova backhand winner and three break points.
A forehand winner from Krejcikova and she broke for 4-3.
Great serving under pressure from Krejcikova and she held for 5-3.
A drop shot winner from Krejcikova, and then a forehand winner from the same racquet. 15-30. A Czech backhand winner and two championship points.
Both saved. Pavlyuchenkova held and forced Krejcikova to serve for the title.
30-15 after a big forehand. Two match points after a forehand winner. Double fault. Then Pavlyuchenkova’s backhand landed long to end the contest.
Barbora Krejcikova won the women’s singles title at Roland Garros 2021, her first major, 6-1 2-6 6-4.
She now moves to a career high ranking of #15.
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