Former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova admits she was not happy with her performance at the Australian Open after avoiding a shock exit.
The ninth seed was down a set and 3-1 against Japanese world No.122 Mai Hontama before fighting her way back to prevail 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in what was a roller-coaster encounter. Krejcikova at times struggled with her serve and only won 12 out of 30 points behind her second serve. She also hit 47 unforced errors which was almost twice the amount of winners she produced (27).
“I felt I wasn’t playing my best tennis, and I also felt she was playing really well.” The world No.10 said during her press conference.
“I’m really happy with the way I was able to turn around the second set, with the way how I switched my game. I think the second set was maybe the key, and then I feel in the third definitely the break at 4-3 was the key to get the win.”
During the decider, Krejcikova took a medical timeout to have strapping around her foot and ankle but it didn’t appear to hamper her movement in any way. She later insisted she is in ‘good’ shape but is currently lacking matches.
“The frustration was there. Not really with the opponent because she can play well,” the Czech said of her latest match.
“I felt that I could do better and that I could play much better tennis, and I wasn’t showing it. I just wasn’t really feeling well, and I just tried to find something how to get back on track.”
The 28-year-old is making her fifth main draw appearance at the Australian Open with her best run being to the quarter-finals in 2022. Last year she lost in the fourth round to Jessica Pegula.
“I feel very hungry. I really want to be there. I really want to fight. I really want to get the wins, and I really want to get back on track and perform well,” she stated.
“I believe I’m on a good way, and the plan is to just keep going and just keep trying to get better every day.”
Krejcikova will next play Tamara Korpatsch who best Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, in her opening match.
