Pair of Wimbledon Champions looking forward to home crowd. Krejčíková to miss singles

The two main stars of this year’s edition of the Livesport Prague Open are without doubt the pair of Wimbledon Champions – Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková. The winner of this year’s Wimbledon Women's Singles Championship Barbora Krejčíková will only play doubles alongside fellow Wimbledon Champion Kateřina Siniaková in an aim to save energy ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games.

The two experienced Czech players won in last week’s Wimbledon Finals but are now in Prague ready to battle for titles again – despite the fast-approaching Olympic Games, neither of these stars are resting and will take part in the traditional WTA 250 tournament organised by the Sparta Prague Tennis Club. Both Krejčíková and Siniaková were set to feature in singles and doubles, but Krejčíková ultimately decided to play only doubles. “If the tournament wasn’t in Czechia, I certainly wouldn’t be taking part,” revealed Krejčíková. “I’m here and excited. After consulting with my team, I’ve decided to only play doubles with Kateřina Siniaková,” announced the World Women’s Singles no. 10 ahead of the tournament start.

Missing this year’s Liveport Prague Open wasn’t an option for Krejčíková – even after such a successful but tough Wimbledon run: “It’s really important for fans to be able to see me play in Czechia,” she said, “as I said – if the tournament wasn’t in Prague, I would be resting up, but I love playing in Czechia in front of my home crowd. That’s why I’m here.”

Another important reason for playing is the chance to get back on the court with partner Siniaková. The doubles pair agreed to take a break at the end of last season and found foreign doubles partners, but they’re playing together at the Olympics in just a few weeks’ time and will look to defend their Gold from the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. “It’s always good to play together again ahead of a big tournament. We’ve always done it like this with Kateřina. It helps us get back into the swing of things – I think it’s really important,” said Krejčíková.

Siniaková won the Wimbledon Women's Doubles Championship with American partner Taylor Townsend, but just like Krejčíková, she hasn’t had the time to properly take everything in: “I haven’t stopped since. But that’s a good problem to have I think,” she said smiling. She’s also excited for the home crowd and will have a lot of family and friends supporting her in Prague. “Some family and friends will be in the stands, I’m glad they’ll be around,” said the World Women’s Doubles no. 2.

She also has great memories of past editions of the tournament: “I’ve always enjoyed it here and I’m so happy I’ll get to play in front of my home crowd. The atmosphere was great the last time I played and I’m really looking forward to everything. I hope the stands will be full and that the Czechs make it as far as possible!” she said.

Photo: Livesport Prague Open / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

Author: eSports

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