The Czech has built a brilliant career – in doubles – while the Italian is a late bloomer, finding success at 28
In the first few months of last season, things seemed to be coming together again for Barbora Krejcikova. Two years earlier, having put herself on the path to a hall-of-fame career with her doubles results alone, the Czech had shocked the world by winning the women’s singles title at Roland Garros.
A sophomore slump followed as she wrapped her head around her new status, but by the end of 2022 she seemed to have finally settled down. Krejcikova ended that season by triumphing in a classic battle against Iga Swiatek, the world No 1, in the Ostrava final. Then in February 2023 she won the Dubai WTA 1000 title in spectacular style, defeating the top three players in succession – ending with another win over Swiatek. Two of Swiatek’s four career defeats in finals have come at the hands of Krejcikova.