The French Open is quickly approaching, as players look to become fit and ready for the second major of 2025.
Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek won Roland Garros last year, and will be two of the favorites as they look to defend their respective titles.
Despite not suffering an injury, Jannik Sinner will also be making his comeback after being banned from tennis for three months.
However, another reigning Grand Slam champion, who has been absent due to a persisting injury problem, is currently in a race against time to be fit for Roland Garros.
Barbora Krejcikova hoping to play at the French Open next month
Barbora Krejcikova won Wimbledon last year, her second major singles title after lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2021.
However, she has only played six tournaments since then, with Krejcikova struggling due to a back injury that has prevented her from playing any matches so far in 2025.
Although she has not been able to compete so far this year, Krejcikova has remained in the top 20 of the WTA rankings, as 75% of her current points come from that Wimbledon victory.
Krejcikova recently teased a return to the court with a social media post of her feet on the clay, and was also seen supporting the Czechia Billie Jean King Cup team for their qualifying ties in Ostrava.
While watching her compatriots compete, Krejcikova told Tenisovy Svet that she was slowly progressing and was hoping to return for Roland Garros or maybe even sooner.
“My health is progressing well, but slowly,” said Krejcikova. “I hope I can make it to Paris, and if I can do something before then, I will be happy.”
She added, “I’ve reached the stage where I can do everything, the doctors have given me permission. I’m gradually putting more strain on my back, I play tennis three, maximum four times a week, for an hour to an hour and a half.”
Barbora Krejcikova re-lives WTA match that had better atmosphere than Wimbledon
While she was unable to take to the court in Ostrava, the venue holds many happy memories for Krejcikova.
The last year that the Czech WTA 500 tournament took place was in 2022, with a final between Krejcikova and top seed Iga Swiatek.
At the time, Swiatek had won 10 consecutive finals and received a lot of Polish support due to the close proximity to her home country.
Despite this, Krejcikova was able to overcome Swiatek in a thrilling three set final that she won, 5-7 7-6(4) 6-3.
When looking back on that match, Krejcikova claimed that the Ostrava final had a better atmosphere than her Centre Court Wimbledon victory over Jasmine Paolini.
“I remember that match very fondly,” said Krejcikova. “It was the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced on court. I would say it was even better than Wimbledon.”
Swiatek has only lost two more finals since then, with Krejcikova getting another of those victories at the Dubai Tennis Championships in 2022.
If Krejcikova is to return for Roland Garros, then she will need to be ready for when the tournament begins on Sunday May 25.
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