PARIS (France): Unseeded Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic advanced into her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open on Wednesday.
She defeated 17-year-old Coco Gauff of the US 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.
The 33rd-ranked saved five set points in the opening set and finished off the 24th seed, on her sixth match point to set up a clash with reigning champion Iga Swiatek or Maria Sakkari for a spot in the final.
Krejcikova, who is also through to the last four of the women’s doubles with Katerina Siniakova, claimed her 10th successive win on the tour having arrived in Paris on the back of a maiden singles title in Strasbourg.
“I’m here and I’m in the semi-finals, and I never really imagined I’d be standing here one day on this court, especially in singles, and being able to win,” said Krejcikova, a 2018 Roland Garros doubles champion.
“Already for me this is something I’d never dreamed of.”
Krejcikova recovered from a rocky start, falling 3-0 and 5-3 behind against Gauff, the youngest Grand Slam quarter-finalist since 2006.
