Barbora Krejcikova is back in the spotlight! After a tough few weeks without wins following her 2024 Wimbledon triumph, she shone at the WTA Finals. In a thrilling match, she defeated World No. 3 Coco Gauff with a score of 7-5, 6-4. This victory not only marked her return to form but also secured her a spot in the semifinals, where she’ll face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. In the meantime, Krejcikova is engaging with fans on her X platform!
Earlier today, Krejcikova reached out to her X followers for a fun Q&A session. While responding to the questions about her season and congratulatory messages, Barbora stumbled upon a rather unique question about her dream doubles partner! The fan asked, “Which active ATP player would you like to play mixed doubles with?”
The Czech boasts an impressive record in mixed doubles, having secured three Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open consecutively from 2019 to 2021. In 2019, she partnered with American Rajeev Ram to clinch her first mixed doubles title. The following year, she successfully defended her title alongside Croatian Nikola Mektic, and in 2021, she teamed up again with Ram to complete the three-peat. However, for a future match, she surprised many by choosing ATP No. 3, “Carlos Alcaraz.” as a possible partner!
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This choice makes sense given their previous interactions off the court. The two have shared playful moments at various tournaments, showcasing a friendly rapport. For instance, one might recall their heartwarming dance together at the Wimbledon Champions Ball earlier this year in July! So the thought that they might step on the court together seems almost electrifying!
Alcaraz has been a hot topic this season, capturing attention with his impressive performances. He won multiple titles and solidified his status as one of the best players in the world. Most recently he defeated Jannik Sinner at the China Open on October 2nd and is now headed to the ATP Finals. As the event approaches, the anticipation to see which player will emerge victorious is high. And Barbora isn’t the only one to rate Carlos Alcaraz highly.
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Tracy Austin recently appeared on the Tennis Channel to discuss the top eight players heading to the year-end championships in Turin. When asked to name the player with the best offensive skills, she confidently declared, “To me, it’s Alcaraz. I think of him as kind of a swashbuckler and he’s so aggressive.” This admiration didn’t stop there.
When it came to defensive skills, Austin again picked Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting his electrifying style of play. This isn’t the first time she’s praised the Spaniard though, “I love watching him play. He hits a shot and he’s like ‘Woah,’ and the fans are like ‘Woah,’ and he’s like ‘Wow, I hit that.’ He’s so exciting,” she had said before the 2024 US Open.
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Although Austin had predicted Alcaraz would win the US Open, her forecast was upended by Jannik Sinner‘s stunning performance. Nonetheless, her affection for Alcaraz remains unwavering. She praised him as “a speedster,” noting, “I think he’s just about the quickest on the Tour. It’s tough to get a winner by him.” When discussing players with varied playing styles, she again pointed to Alcaraz, saying, “You know I’ve got Alcaraz there, too. I seem to be in love with Carlos.” She highlighted his ability to serve and volley, hit powerful shots, and execute the best drop shot in the game.
Austin also acknowledged Jannik Sinner’s variety in his game, particularly his performance at the US Open final against Taylor Fritz, where he effectively utilized low slices to keep his opponent off balance. Despite recognizing Sinner’s talents, Austin consistently favored Alcaraz throughout her conversation. Now the ATP Finals is on the horizon and a star-studded lineup is set to compete. Who do you think will take home the title this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!