French Open Champions Krejcikova, Ostapenko Meet For Grass Title In Birmingham

Former French Open champions Barbora Krejcikova and Jelena Ostapenko will meet for the grass title Sunday in Birmingham.

The top seeded Krejcikova advanced past Lin Zhu of China 6-3, 6-2. Zhu broke to start the match but never had a another break chance after the fourth game in this first-time meeting.

“Definitely feels great, I’m really happy with the way I played today,” Krejcikova said to the WTA. “It’s always difficult to play on the grass because the game can change quickly, so I’m happy how I handled the match and that I’m in the final.”

Krejcikova reaches her 10th career final. She is eyeing her 7th career title, first since defeating Iga Swiatek in Dubai.

No. 2 Jelena Ostapenko overcame rallied past 4th-seeded Anastasia Potapova 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

The pair traded early breaks in the third with Ostapenko finally taking the lead for good at 4-3.

“It was a really tough match, and it’s never easy to play great players like Anastasia,” Ostapenko said. “I was trying to play aggressive and to play my game.”

Ostapenko makes her 14th career final. She is gunning her 6th career title, first title since Dubai last year.

The two have split four head-to-head encounters on tour. Ostapenko came out ahead in their most recent meeting in Rome last month.

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