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Barbora Krejcikova did the unthinkable on Saturday, stopping Iga Swiatek from winning her third straight title in the Middle East. Taking on the Pole in the final of the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships, Krejcikova prevailed 6-4, 6-2, bringing to an end Swiatek's streak of six straight wins starting from the Qatar Open.
Speaking to the press after her maiden WTA 1000 triumph, the former French Open champion lavished praise on the World No. 1. Krejcikova stated that she would love to get an opportunity to train with Swiatek in the future as she was "just so dedicated" to tennis.
"[Iga Swiatek]'s No. 1. She has more than 10,000 points. She's winning everything. She had amazing streak last year. I mean, this year also. Last week she played amazing," Krejcikova said.
"This week I saw her matches, she was in a really good shape, a really good form. It's great if I get opportunity to practice with her because she's just so dedicated to tennis."
Barbora Krejcikova went on to add that she has "so much respect" for the 21-year-old, both for her tennis skills and for her mental strength. She also hailed Swiatek as a "big motivation" for her, revealing that watching her win trophy after trophy made her want to do the same as well.
"[Iga Swiatek] gives every single time 100%. I mean, it's amazing that in such a young age she has mind, like, really clear for what she wants, she's able to achieve that. I have so much respect for her, as I already said it on the court," Krejcikova said.
"I mean, to me, she is just a big motivation. She's just a big motivation. Like I see what she's doing and, I mean, I want to do the same thing."
"I'm not yet in that stage of winning all the tournaments on the tour" - Barbora Krejcikova on following Iga Swiatek's path of switching from doubles to singles
While Barbora Krejcikova is no slouch on the singles tour, she is even more of a force to be reckoned with in doubles. She has already achieved the Career Grand Slam with her partner Katerina Siniakova.
After her newfound singles success, however, Krejcikova was asked at the press conference if she was looking to focus more on this particular category, akin to the decision Iga Swiatek had made earlier.
The 27-year-old laughed off the question, joking that she did not win nearly enough titles as Swiatek to justify making the transition as a full-time singles player.
Nonetheless, Krejcikova admitted that she really enjoyed playing doubles to give up on it, adding that she will try to keep going in both events as much as possible.
"I understand why [Iga Swiatek]'s not playing. I understand because, I mean, when she's winning all the tournaments, it's tough. I have to say that I'm not yet in that stage of winning all the tournaments on the tour," Krejcikova said.
"It's a very long way to go. I definitely love doubles. I just love playing. I really enjoy it. I mean, so far I want to keep going in both categories, just try to do my best."
