Barbora Krejcikova said she was "really happy" with her performance against Jessica Pegula and noted she now expects "a great Dubai final" against Iga Swiatek.
On Friday, former world No 2 Krejcikova beat third-ranked Pegula 6-1 5-7 6-0.
"I felt good, even though the second set didn't go my way. I was still thinking that I had a big chance, and was going for my shots and just try to play my best tennis. I had to against Jessica, she's a great player, and I'm really happy that I was able to do that," Krejcikova said, per the WTA website.
In the Dubai final, Krejcikova will be taking on first-seeded Swiatek.
"It's always very nice to play the best one in the world, and she's the best one right now. She was the best one last year. She's playing some great tennis so I'm really looking forward to play against her and see where my level is. I think it's going to be a great final," Krejcikova said.
Can Krejcikova upset Swiatek in a WTA final again?Last year, Swiatek was 7-of-7 in her WTA finals in 2022 before taking on Krejcikova in the Ostrava final.
In early October, Krejcikova ended Swiatek's unbeaten streak in WTA finals as she upset the Pole 5-7 7-6 (4) 6-3 in the Ostrava final.
With that win over Swiatek, Krejcikova also clinched her first win against the Pole.
Previously, Swiatek claimed a straight-set win over Krejcikova when they met in 2021 Miami.
Also, Swiatek beat Krejcikova in 2021 Rome.
When Krejcikova and Swiatek meet in the Dubai final, it will be their fourth meeting.
Going into the final, Swiatek is the favorite to win, considering her current form.
Last week, Swiatek won Doha with a total of five games lost en route to winning the title.
So far this week, Swiatek has lost just nine games.
It remains to be seen if Krejcikova can upset Swiatek for her first title in 2023.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3TraQxq
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