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KREJCIKOVA Roland Garros 2021 Novotna
Roland Garros, Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

Barbora Krejcikova dedicates Roland Garros title to “inspiration” Jana Novotna


Barbora Krejcikova revealed Jana Novotna’s last words to her were “try to win a Grand Slam” after her Roland Garros triumph.

Wimbledon winner Novotna coached and mentored the Czech until she passed away aged 49 in 2017.

Krejcikova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 to win the 2021 French Open title – her maiden Major singles title.

“I can’t believe that I actually won a Grand Slam. I was going through a really hard time when Jana [Novotna] was passing away,” the 25-year-old said in an on-court interview.

“I was most of the time with her and I really wanted to experience this because I thought it’s gonna make me really strong.

“Pretty much her last words were – ‘just enjoy and try to win a Grand Slam’. I know that from somewhere she is looking after me.

“And all of this that just happened these last two weeks [is] pretty much because she is just looking after me from up there.

“It was amazing that I had a chance to meet her and she was such an inspiration for me. I hope she’s happy right now, and I’m extremely happy.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.