Krejčíková na turnaji v Aténách zabojuje o třetí letošní finále

Krejčíková’s Path to the Athens Semifinals

Barbora Krejčíková defeats Zheng Qin-wen to reach the semifinals

Barbora Krejčíková has maintained a dominant performance in Athens, progressing through the draw without dropping a single set. Her quarterfinal match against Olympic singles gold medalist Zheng Qin-wen—a former world number four—presented her most significant challenge to date. The Chinese competitor established an early 3:0 lead in the opening set. Krejčíková responded by winning five consecutive games to regain control and eventually secure the set. She faced a similar deficit at the start of the second set but successfully navigated the pressure to close out the match with a 6:4, 6:4 victory, marking her first win in three career meetings against Zheng.

This win represents a crucial step for the Czech star, who has navigated a mixed season regarding tournament progression. Krejčíková has successfully reached both semifinals she entered this year, though she has yet to secure a title. Beyond the smaller event in Parma, she reached the final stages on grass in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, but was unable to compete for the trophy due to illness. As she heads into Saturday’s match, she remains focused on achieving her 14th career final appearance.

The Semifinal Showdown with Clara Tauson

Clara Tauson challenges Krejčíková after eliminating Sára Bejlek

Krejčíková’s opponent, top-seeded Clara Tauson, earned her place in the final four by defeating Sára Bejlek 6:2, 6:3. The world number 30 from Denmark reached the semifinals without losing a set, having previously defeated Bejlek in one-and-a-half hours. The Danish player’s victory served as redemption, as it balanced her head-to-head record against the 20-year-old Czech, who had previously eliminated Tauson in the semifinals at the Abu Dhabi 500-level tournament earlier this year.

The upcoming match between Krejčíková and Tauson represents a pivotal tie-breaker in their personal rivalry. Their head-to-head record is currently tied at 1:1. Krejčíková claimed victory during their 2021 meeting at Wimbledon, while Tauson won their encounter on hard courts in Cleveland two years ago. In both previous matches, the winner conceded only five games total. Tauson, who has secured three WTA 250 titles—in Lyon and Luxembourg in 2021 and Auckland last year—has reached the final stage of a tournament five times in her career, her last appearance being in February at the Dubai 1000-level event.

Broader Czech Tennis Activity: Prague and Beyond

Livesport Prague Open qualifying begins with seven Czech players

While Krejčíková competes in Greece, the domestic tennis landscape is shifting toward the Livesport Prague Open on Štvanice. The tournament, which begins its qualifying phase on Saturday, features a significant contingent of seven Czech players, including Linda Fruhvirtová. The event serves as a major hub for Czech talent, with local players also competing across various international circuits this week.

The qualifying draw in Prague includes several notable matchups. Dominika Šalková and Denisa Žoldáková are set to face one another in the first round, ensuring at least one Czech representative advances to the qualifying final. Other local competitors include Gabriela Knutsonová, Barbora Palicová, Tereza Krejčová, and Victoria Bervidová.

Czech players remain active across multiple levels of professional and junior tennis:

• ITF W75 Olomouc: Julie Štruplová advanced to the semifinals after a victory over Kučmová, while the doubles final saw Nagyová and Šebestová secure a title.
• Challenger Circuit: In Bunschoten, the doubles pairing of Paulson and Vliegen captured the title with a 7:6, 6:2 victory. In Cordenons, Jecan and Poljak also reached the doubles final.
• Junior Circuits: Young prospects continue to test themselves in international events. In Kaunas, Wirgler reached the boys’ singles final, while Havelková competed in the girls’ singles final. In Szentes, Laššan reached the boys’ singles semifinals and, alongside Jan Svoboda, the doubles semifinals.

Alina Korneeva eliminates Tereza Valentová in the Athens quarterfinals

Despite the success of Krejčíková, not all Czech efforts in Athens proved fruitful. Tereza Valentová, the 19-year-old talent, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Alina Korneeva with a score of 5:7, 3:6. Valentová struggled to hold serve throughout the contest, dropping her service game six times during the hour-and-three-quarter match.