WTA 1000 Dubai 2/19 - 2/27 2023

[Ainsley]

Any player that goes up against Iga has to go into the match with the mentality that they are going to slay a giant. If they don't they are going to get destroyed. Hell, they still might end up getting destroyed, but the mental part of the game going into a match against Iga is huge. Iga is human and can have a bad day on the court. If this is the case, Krejcikova is going to need to sense it right away and jump right on it. If she plays the match like she played the 2nd and 3rd sets against Sabalenka she has a chance. It is Iga's match to lose and if she stays focused and on her game she will continue to cruise.

[ponchi101]

The serve will tell.
If Krejcikova can hold serve by moving it around, it can be done. if Iga pounds on her serve, Marsalama Barbora!

[Ainsley]

The serve will tell.
If Krejcikova can hold serve by moving it around, it can be done. if Iga pounds on her serve, Marsalama Barbora!

I thought Sabalenka was in a zone especially after that first set drubbing of Krejcikova 6-0. I was shocked when I saw the turn around in that match. I really thought an epic final between Sabalenka and Iga was in the making. I really think that is the level of play that Krejcikova needs to be at throughout the entire Iga match and Iga still may need to be off a bit to get it done.

[Deuce]

Krejcicova is so crafty that she should be a lefty!

[Deuce]

I have spoken about Coco being young, but by now, Suliso's point that she will turn 19 soon starts to gain some weight. Plenty of players have won big before 19.

^ And plenty more players have won big only in their 20s.
It's interesting that just because Gauff has been around for 'so long' without winning a Major, people are starting to throw in the towel. But she was 15 years old when she first appeared on the WTA tour!
Tracy Austins don't come along every decade - especially now.
There is no logical reason to give up on Gauff to any degree. She's still the youngest player - and only teenager - in the top 40.
Not many players were in the top 10 at 18 years old - including the current rather dominant #1 player. Swiatek won her first Major at age 19 - and that was exceptional.

[ashkor87]

i love Krejcikova's game, silky smooth, reminds me of Mecir - no jerks, slaps, just smooth flow

[Ainsley]

i love Krejcikova's game, silky smooth, reminds me of Mecir - no jerks, slaps, just smooth flow

She is going to have to flow like a smooth river to get the job done today against Iga.

[ashkor87]

i love Krejcikova's game, silky smooth, reminds me of Mecir - no jerks, slaps, just smooth flow

She is going to have to flow like a smooth river to get the job done today against Iga.

i will love her anyway!

[Ainsley]

Krejcikova wins the 1st set over Iga and is also returning Iga's serve very well. Iga is going to have to hold serve better in this 2nd set.

[meganfernandez]

Krejcikova won a crazy point for a double-break lead in the 2nd, 5-2. Iga had control of the point and hit a great attacking BH down the line that Krejcikova barely got to, but she kept it alive. A couple shots later, Iga ran in to put it away a ball that barely dropped over the net - and hit ti right back to Krejcikova, who didn't move. She bunted it back for a lob that landed right on the baseline.

Iga must feel like nothing is going her way. She is openly mopey. Very negative for someone who famously has a sports psychologist.

And Krejcikova wins and made it look easy.

[Ainsley]

Krejcikova won a crazy point for a double-break lead in the 2nd, 5-2. Iga had control of the point and hit a BH down the that Krejcikova barely got to, but she kept it alive. A couple shots later, her ball barely dropped over the net and Iga ran in to put it away - and hit ti right back to Krejcikova, who didn't move. She bunted it back for a lob that landed right not the baseline.

Iga must feel like nothing is going her way. She is openly mopey. Very negative for someone who famously has a sports psychologist.

That lob or block lob or whatever you want to call the shot was amazing. It just was Krejcikova's day. Great win and great tournament for her.

[ponchi101]

And just like that, the narrative changes. Invincible Iga, WHO IS STILL THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD, loses by a rather routine score.
This sport is so great.

[Ainsley]

And just like that, the narrative changes. Invincible Iga, WHO IS STILL THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD, loses by a rather routine score.
This sport is so great.

Krejcikova was on today. Returning Iga's serves like pure perfection. She seemed to have Iga off balance at times. I am not saying that Krejcikova has Iga's number, but on this day she was the much better player.

[ti-amie]

[ashkor87]

not to denigrate Krejcikova's marvellous accomplishment in any way, but let us not forget Swiatek did not win Dubai last year, either - didnt stop her from ruling the rest of the year. The difference is the court speed and the way the ball behaves. This is one more proof point!

when we get to IW and Miami, and the claycourt season, Swiatek will be unbeatable again.