Barbora Krejcikova reflects on "bitter" loss to Aryna Sabalenka as World No. 2 knocks her out of both Sunshine Double events

On Tuesday Barbora Krejcikova suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Aryna Sabalenka (6-3, 6-2), this time in the fourth round of the 2023 Miami Open. This is the Czech player’s second consecutive loss to Sabalenka; she suffered a similar fourth-round dismissal at the previous WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells.

After the match Krejcikova reflected on her campaign at the Sunshine Double, which included winning the doubles title at Indian Wells alongside Katerina Siniakova.

The 27-year-old wrote on Twitter that, despite the 'bitter' ending, she was happy with her form and the valuable experiences she gained in the US. Krejcikova also vowed to shake off the twin losses and get back up quickly.

“Fall down 7 times, stand up 8. My run through the Miami tournament and the entire American streak is over. Despite the bitter end in the last match, I played a lot of excellent duels, gained valuable experience and a huge motivation for further work,” Barbora Krejcikova said.

The 2021 French Open champion also thanked her fans for their support and expressed anticipation for the fast-approaching clay court season.

“Thank you so much to everyone who watched and cheered for me this last few weeks,” the former World No. 2 wrote. “Now its time to rest and get ready for [clay].”

"I don't want to be forgotten" – Barbora Krejcikova on being excluded from discussions involving Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina

Barbora Krejcikova was the winner of the first WTA 1000 event of 2023 in Dubai

During her run at the Miami Open 2023, Barbora Krejcikova admitted to feeling slighted by the media in discussions on the current top WTA players. Those discussions typically feature fellow Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.

"When I read something on social media, it's about Iga, Aryna, and Elena -- I'm not really there," Krejcikova stated. "I want to be mentioned as well. I want to be recognized as well because I think I deserve it. I've had a lot of success on the tour and I just don't get the credit."

The Czech player has had a strong start to the season herself. She defeated World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, World No. 2 Sabalenka and World No. 1 Swiatek en route to winning the first WTA 1000 title of 2023 in Dubai.

Krejcikova also has a winning head-to-head record against Elena Rybakina at 2-0, and is tied with Iga Swiatek at 2-2. However, she has a losing 1-4 record against Aryna Sabalenka.

Speaking about the rise of the three young players, the former French Open champion claimed that their dominance was a source of motivation for her. She also asserted that she wanted to be part of the conversation rather than disappearing in the shadows.

"It's a big motivation. I don't want to be forgotten somewhere in the shade of these three big players. They are playing well and are playing great, but I feel I'm playing well as well," Barbora Krejcikova said.