Barbora Krejčíková: The Czech Tennis Star
Introduction
Barbora Krejčíková is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary tennis. Born in the Czech Republic, she has distinguished herself not only for her exceptional on-court skills but also for her resilience and versatility. With titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, Krejčíková upholds the Czech tennis tradition, following in the footsteps of legends like Jana Novotná, her mentor. At 29 years old in August 2025, she continues to compete at the highest level despite recent injury challenges. Her career is marked by surprising victories and unwavering dedication, making her an inspiration for young athletes worldwide.
Krejčíková began playing tennis at age six and quickly showed promise. Her journey from junior to professional is filled with achievements, and she now boasts multiple Grand Slam titles. This article explores her life, career, and impact, highlighting the key moments that define her as one of today’s top players.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Barbora Krejčíková was born on December 18, 1995, in Brno, Czech Republic. Tennis was part of her life from an early age. At six, she picked up a racket for the first time and began training at TK Ivančice, a local club. Her passion for the sport was fueled by family support and the Czech Republic’s rich tennis culture.
As a junior, Krejčíková reached a career-high world No. 3 ranking in October 2013. She won girls’ doubles titles at the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in 2013, all alongside Kateřina Siniaková. They also reached the Australian Open final that year, falling one win short of completing a calendar-year Junior Grand Slam in doubles. Additionally, Krejčíková claimed the European Junior Championships U18 title in Klosters, Switzerland, in both singles and doubles.
Her mentor, Jana Novotná, a former Wimbledon champion, played a pivotal role in her development. Novotná not only coached her but also inspired her with stories of perseverance. Krejčíková often credits Novotná for helping her build confidence and technique, which became cornerstones of her career.
Transition to Professional Tennis
Krejčíková turned professional in 2010, but her WTA Tour debut came in 2014 at the Gastein Ladies, where she reached the doubles semifinals with Siniaková. Her first WTA doubles title was in 2015 at the Tournoi de Québec. In singles, she reached her first WTA final in 2017 at the Nürnberger Versicherungscup, losing to Kiki Bertens. These early years were a learning curve, with victories in ITF tournaments boosting her confidence.
Rise in the Professional Circuit
Krejčíková’s rise in professional tennis was gradual but impactful. In 2018, she and Siniaková reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles, becoming the fifth and sixth Czech players to achieve this since 1975. That year, they won the French Open and Wimbledon doubles titles, marking the start of a dominant era.
In mixed doubles, Krejčíková excelled at the Australian Open, winning in 2019 with Rajeev Ram, defending the title in 2020 with Nikola Mektić, and again in 2021 with Ram. This rare three-peat underscores her versatility.
Challenges and Resilience
Krejčíková’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. She faced injuries and moments of self-doubt. In 2023, she ended her doubles partnership with Siniaková, a mutual decision initiated by her partner. Despite this, she continued to compete at a high level, adapting to new coaches and styles. In 2023, she hired Pavel Motl as her coach after parting ways with Ales Kartous.
Singles Achievements
Krejčíková’s singles achievements are remarkable. Her first Grand Slam singles title came at the 2021 French Open, where she defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final. This victory was a milestone, proving she could compete with the best in singles as well as doubles.
In 2024, she won Wimbledon, overcoming Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling three-set final. She described this victory as a “fairy tale,” especially after years of ups and downs. She also claimed the WTA 1000 title in Dubai in 2023, her first at that level.
Other singles titles include eight WTA events, such as San Diego in 2023 and Prague in 2024. Her ability to perform on various surfaces, particularly clay, makes her a consistent threat.
Olympics and Other Tournaments
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), Krejčíková won gold in women’s doubles with Siniaková. In Paris 2024, she reached the quarterfinals in singles and doubles but was eliminated in the semifinals by Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
Doubles and Mixed Doubles Success
Krejčíková is a doubles legend. With Siniaková, she won seven Grand Slam titles: Australian Open (2022, 2023), French Open (2018, 2021), Wimbledon (2018, 2022), and US Open (2022). They also claimed the 2021 WTA Finals and Olympic gold.
In mixed doubles, her three consecutive Australian Open titles (2019–2021) are historic. She has 19 WTA doubles titles, one WTA 125K title, and 19 ITF Circuit titles.
After parting with Siniaková, Krejčíková won Birmingham in 2023 with Marta Kostyuk and continues to compete in doubles sporadically.
Playing Style
Krejčíková’s style is aggressive and versatile. She has a powerful serve, strong groundstrokes, and a complete net game, influenced by her doubles experience. Her two-handed backhand is particularly lethal, creating extreme angles and winners. Her topspin-heavy forehand allows her to dictate rallies, and she uses slices to surprise opponents.
She plays with “controlled aggression,” injecting unexpected pace. Her movement, speed, and endurance are excellent, enabling efficient court coverage. Clay is her favorite surface due to its high bounce and slower pace, but she adapts well to grass and hard courts. She occasionally employs serve-and-volley tactics, adding unpredictability.
Personal Life and Legacy
Krejčíková resides in Ivančice, Czech Republic. Her personal life is private; she focuses on tennis but values friendships and mentors. The loss of Novotná in 2017 was a blow, but it motivated her to honor her mentor’s legacy.
Her legacy is one of perseverance. With 12 combined major titles, she is among the most complete players. She inspires the next generation of Czech players, extending the legacy of Martina Navratilova and Petra Kvitová.
In 2024, she dealt with pregnancy rumors and derogatory comments from an American analyst, showing resilience.
Recent Performance in 2025
In 2025, Krejčíková faced injury setbacks. She withdrew from the Australian Open due to a back injury. She returned in May at the Strasbourg Open, losing in the first round. At the French Open, she won her first match but fell in the second.
At Wimbledon, as the defending champion, she reached the third round, losing to Emma Navarro. In Eastbourne, she saved match points but withdrew due to injury. Recently, in Cincinnati, she defeated Madison Parks and staged a comeback against Elina Svitolina in the second round, showing recovery. Her ranking dropped to 78 in July, but she aims to return to the top.
In 2025, she has five wins and four losses in singles, with no titles yet.
Conclusion
Barbora Krejčíková is a testament to determination in tennis. From her roots in Brno to victories at Wimbledon and the Olympics, her career is rich with achievements. Despite injuries in 2025, her skill and spirit remain intact. She is not just a player but an ambassador for Czech tennis, inspiring global fans with her grace and strength. As she continues to compete, her story promises more exciting chapters.
