Samson v Valentova: Roland Garros set for first all-Czech junior final
Shortly after Tereza Valentova set up the first all-Czechia singles final in Junior Grand Slam history, she bumped into her fellow finalist Laura Samson on the grounds of Roland Garros.
Valentova, who had just clinched a tight semi-final against American Tyra Caterina Grant 6-3 7-6 (1) in 1hr 30, exchanged handshakes, smiles and a laugh with Samson at the stairs leading to Court Suzanne Lenglen as both celebrated the success of their rival.
While Czechia has a decorated history in Grand Slams in both senior and junior ranks, particularly on the female side, Valentova was unaware until told that she would be creating history for her nation in Saturday’s final. That made the moment even sweeter, she said.
“I didn't know that she [Samson] had won because they didn't finish before I started playing,” she said.
“But she just told me that she won, so that's good. So it will be a pretty good match, I think. And it's also good for the Czech Republic to have two girls from Czech in a Grand Slam final, so I think it will be a really good match and I'm happy about it.”
Samson, 16, earlier clinched a spot in the final by defeating American Kristina Penickova 6-3 5-7 6-4 and was clearly delighted for a player she practices with from time to time at their club TK Sparta Praha in Prague
But when they walk on to the court on Saturday, any friendship between the pair will be put on hold for as long as the girls’ singles decider lasts, she said.
“Honestly, it wouldn't change my approach that much. She is just another opponent,” Samson said.
“But we're from the same club, so I think it is amazing that we're coming from the same club and going to the finals together.
“I'm going to try to play the final as just another match and just focus on it. That is the Czech approach. I will just focus on the match.”
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Aside from the quality of their tennis over the past week in Paris, the resilience they have shown in tight moments proved critical to their progression in Friday’s semi-finals.
A winner of Wimbledon girls' doubles last year with Alena Kovackova, the No.3 seed lost momentum late in the second set against the unseeded Penickova.
But Samson, who admires the resilience of her favorite Czech player Petra Kvitova, showed similar fighting spirit to the dual-Wimbledon champion to rally strongly again in the third set.
The triumph over Penickova was her third victory in succession in three set matches after previous wins over No.10 seed Iva Jovic and No.14 seed Kaitlin Quevedo.
“After those tough matches, it feels amazing,” Samson said.
“At the end of this match, it was more of a relief, to be honest. I had a lot of chances in the second set, but I’m very happy. The final is just another match, but I am looking forward to it.”
Valentova was in a strong position against Grant, but the Italian-raised American showed significant fight from a 0-4 deficit to force a tiebreaker in the second set
“It was a really good match, a really tough match,” the 17-year-old said.
“They were cheering more for her a little bit, I think, so it was tougher mentally. I’m happy I was able to win.”
A full list of results from the 2024 Roland Garros Junior Championships is available here