2020 Prague August 16, 2020

Prague 2020: Story of the tournament

From Simona Halep's early round battles en route to her second straight title to Irina-Camelia Begu's series of rolling epics, all the best pictures from the 2020 Prague Open.

World No.2 Simona Halep makes her return to WTA competition this week at the Prague Open, her first tournament since winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February. — 01 /52

World No.2 Simona Halep makes her return to WTA competition this week at the Prague Open, her first tournament since winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February.

Jimmie48/WTA

The two-time Grand Slam champion hit the courts over the weekend ahead of her tournament debut in the Czech capital. — 02 /52

The two-time Grand Slam champion hit the courts over the weekend ahead of her tournament debut in the Czech capital.

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Speaking of debuts, former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard is officially debuting alongside a new coach this week in Prague - former doubles World No.1 Rennae Stubbs. — 03 /52

Speaking of debuts, former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard is officially debuting alongside a new coach this week in Prague - former doubles World No.1 Rennae Stubbs.

Jimmie48/WTA

With Dayana Yastremska's pre-tournament withdrawal, Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova was elevated to the No.9 seed in the main draw. — 04 /52

With Dayana Yastremska's pre-tournament withdrawal, Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova was elevated to the No.9 seed in the main draw.

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Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk won a thrilling 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 second-round qualifying match on Sunday over Tereza Martincova of the Czech Republic. — 05 /52

Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk won a thrilling 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 second-round qualifying match on Sunday over Tereza Martincova of the Czech Republic.

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Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse had one of the most dramatic wins of Sunday's qualifying, defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich in a 3 hour, 15-minute marathon. — 06 /52

Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse had one of the most dramatic wins of Sunday's qualifying, defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich in a 3 hour, 15-minute marathon.

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Sasnovich, a quarterfinalist out of qualifying last week in Palermo, had three match points and led 5-2 in the third set before falling, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3). — 07 /52

Sasnovich, a quarterfinalist out of qualifying last week in Palermo, had three match points and led 5-2 in the third set before falling, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3).

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16-year-old qualifying wildcard Barbora Palicova, playing her first ever pro tournament, caused a stir by defeating Ellen Perez and taking a set lead on former World No.23 Lesia Tsurenko. — 08 /52

16-year-old qualifying wildcard Barbora Palicova, playing her first ever pro tournament, caused a stir by defeating Ellen Perez and taking a set lead on former World No.23 Lesia Tsurenko.

@tennispragueopen TK Sparta Praha/Pavel Lebeda

However, Tsurenko - who had scored an impressive 6-3, 6-2 win over Oceane Dodin in the first qualifying round - rebounded to defeat Palicova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, before qualifying by edging Magdalena Frech in two tiebreaks. — 09 /52

However, Tsurenko - who had scored an impressive 6-3, 6-2 win over Oceane Dodin in the first qualifying round - rebounded to defeat Palicova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, before qualifying by edging Magdalena Frech in two tiebreaks.

@tennispragueopen TK Sparta Praha/Pavel Lebeda

In Monday's final qualifying round, Mayar Sherif defeated Leonie Kung, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, becoming the first Egyptian woman to reach a WTA main draw since 1999 (Marwa Elwany) and second overall. — 10 /52

In Monday's final qualifying round, Mayar Sherif defeated Leonie Kung, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, becoming the first Egyptian woman to reach a WTA main draw since 1999 (Marwa Elwany) and second overall.

Jimmie48/WTA

Arriving on court in a mask, as a part of the new normal as tournaments have resumed, Kostyuk had a perfect day to qualify: beating Aussie Storm Sanders, 6-0, 6-0. — 11 /52

Arriving on court in a mask, as a part of the new normal as tournaments have resumed, Kostyuk had a perfect day to qualify: beating Aussie Storm Sanders, 6-0, 6-0.

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Though she's not competing this week in Prague, former champion Petra Kvitova was in a jovial mood while taking part in some media interviews on Monday. — 12 /52

Though she's not competing this week in Prague, former champion Petra Kvitova was in a jovial mood while taking part in some media interviews on Monday.

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Laura Siegemund took part in the tournament's Opening Ceremony which included a tribute to people affected by coronavirus. — 13 /52

Laura Siegemund took part in the tournament's Opening Ceremony which included a tribute to people affected by coronavirus.

Jimmie48/WTA

Speeches were made by tournament director David Trunda, WTA Tournament Relations Director Fabrizio Sestini (pictured) and Ivo Kaderka, president of the Czech Tennis Federation at the Opening Ceremony. — 14 /52

Speeches were made by tournament director David Trunda, WTA Tournament Relations Director Fabrizio Sestini (pictured) and Ivo Kaderka, president of the Czech Tennis Federation at the Opening Ceremony.

Jimmie48/WTA

On a Monday ravaged by rain, Bouchard was the lone main-draw winner, dispatching No.8 seed Veronika Kudermetova with ease. — 15 /52

On a Monday ravaged by rain, Bouchard was the lone main-draw winner, dispatching No.8 seed Veronika Kudermetova with ease.

Jimmie48/WTA

The Canadian saved all five break points she faced and broke serve four times in the 6-0, 6-3 victory. — 16 /52

The Canadian saved all five break points she faced and broke serve four times in the 6-0, 6-3 victory.

Jimmie48/WTA

In a match against 15-year-old compatriot Linda Fruhvirtova, that was suspended twice for rain before being called off for rain, Kristyna Pliskova encapsulated Monday's overall mood. — 17 /52

In a match against 15-year-old compatriot Linda Fruhvirtova, that was suspended twice for rain before being called off for rain, Kristyna Pliskova encapsulated Monday's overall mood.

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Prior to her first match of the tournament, Sevastova sported a color-coordinated mask to her Yonex kit. — 18 /52

Prior to her first match of the tournament, Sevastova sported a color-coordinated mask to her Yonex kit.

Jimmie48/WTA

On a Tuesday when four seeds fell, Irina-Camelia Begu was dominant in a 6-2, 6-2 upset of the Latvian, leveling their overall head-to-head at 3-3. — 19 /52

On a Tuesday when four seeds fell, Irina-Camelia Begu was dominant in a 6-2, 6-2 upset of the Latvian, leveling their overall head-to-head at 3-3.

Jimmie48/WTA

No.2 seed Petra Martic shook off injury concerns after a semifinal showing in Palermo last week to win Tuesday's first match on Center Court. — 20 /52

No.2 seed Petra Martic shook off injury concerns after a semifinal showing in Palermo last week to win Tuesday's first match on Center Court.

Jimmie48/WTA

In her first career match against a Top 20 player, Russia's Varvara Gracheva was a stern test for Martic in a 7-6(2), 6-3 opener. — 21 /52

In her first career match against a Top 20 player, Russia's Varvara Gracheva was a stern test for Martic in a 7-6(2), 6-3 opener.

Jimmie48/WTA

No.3 seed Elise Mertens earned her first win of the restart in marathon fashion, needing 2h41m to dispatch Italy's Jasmine Paolini. — 22 /52

No.3 seed Elise Mertens earned her first win of the restart in marathon fashion, needing 2h41m to dispatch Italy's Jasmine Paolini.

Jimmie48/WTA

Paolini, who defeated Daria Kasatkina in a three-hour marathon in Palermo last week, came up just short in her upset bid against Mertens. — 23 /52

Paolini, who defeated Daria Kasatkina in a three-hour marathon in Palermo last week, came up just short in her upset bid against Mertens.

Jimmie48/WTA

15-year-old Fruhvirtova made a strong impression against the veteran Pliskova in a match that began on Monday and ended on Tuesday, falling 6-2, 7-5. — 24 /52

15-year-old Fruhvirtova made a strong impression against the veteran Pliskova in a match that began on Monday and ended on Tuesday, falling 6-2, 7-5.

Jimmie48/WTA

No.6 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, playing her first match since Dubai in February, was another seed to fall in her opener. — 25 /52

No.6 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, playing her first match since Dubai in February, was another seed to fall in her opener.

Jimmie48/WTA

The Russian was beaten by Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands, 7-5, 6-2, marking the Dutchwoman's second victory over a Top 30 player in the past eight years. — 26 /52

The Russian was beaten by Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands, 7-5, 6-2, marking the Dutchwoman's second victory over a Top 30 player in the past eight years.

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In other upset bids, Polona Hercog gave Halep all she could handle in the first round. — 27 /52

In other upset bids, Polona Hercog gave Halep all she could handle in the first round.

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Needing seven match points and two-and-a-half hours to win, Halep ultimately advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 1-6, 7-6(3) victory. — 28 /52

Needing seven match points and two-and-a-half hours to win, Halep ultimately advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 1-6, 7-6(3) victory.

Jimmie48/WTA

Roaring back from a set down - and a 3-0 deficit in the third - against Kostyuk in the first round was Camila Giorgi, who finished off the win in a decisive tiebreak, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4). — 29 /52

Roaring back from a set down - and a 3-0 deficit in the third - against Kostyuk in the first round was Camila Giorgi, who finished off the win in a decisive tiebreak, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4).

@tennispragueopen TK SPARTA PRAHA / Pavel Lebeda

The highest-ranked Czech in the draw, No.7 seed Barbora Strycova, was not immune to the upset bug either. — 30 /52

The highest-ranked Czech in the draw, No.7 seed Barbora Strycova, was not immune to the upset bug either.

Jimmie48/WTA

Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo battled back from a 0-5 deficit in the first set to score a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory. — 31 /52

Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo battled back from a 0-5 deficit in the first set to score a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory.

Jimmie48/WTA

Eugenie Bouchard’s positive run continued with a victory over Tamara Zidansek. After the opening two sets were shared following tiebreaks, the Canadian took the decider, 6-2. — 32 /52

Eugenie Bouchard’s positive run continued with a victory over Tamara Zidansek. After the opening two sets were shared following tiebreaks, the Canadian took the decider, 6-2.

Jimmie48/WTA

Sara Sorribes Tormo secured her place in the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-3 upset victory over Laura Siegemund. — 33 /52

Sara Sorribes Tormo secured her place in the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-3 upset victory over Laura Siegemund.

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Arantxa Rus fought back from losing the opening set to Magdalena Frech to square the match at 1-1. — 34 /52

Arantxa Rus fought back from losing the opening set to Magdalena Frech to square the match at 1-1.

Jimmie48/WTA

WTA World No.174 Frech secured her place in the quarterfinals, however, as she claimed the final set, 6-4. — 35 /52

WTA World No.174 Frech secured her place in the quarterfinals, however, as she claimed the final set, 6-4.

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Simona Halep warms up for her last-16 encounter with Barbora Krejcikova. — 36 /52

Simona Halep warms up for her last-16 encounter with Barbora Krejcikova.

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The Wimbledon champion had a scare as she dropped the first set, but she ultimately prevailed by a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 margin. — 37 /52

The Wimbledon champion had a scare as she dropped the first set, but she ultimately prevailed by a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 margin.

Jimmie48/WTA

Kristyna Pliskova’s quarterfinal with Ana Bogdan was cut short due to an injury suffered by the Romanian. Pliskova progressed, despite trailing 5-2 in the opening set. — 38 /52

Kristyna Pliskova’s quarterfinal with Ana Bogdan was cut short due to an injury suffered by the Romanian. Pliskova progressed, despite trailing 5-2 in the opening set.

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Elise Mertens will face Pliskova in the semifinals after winning a battle with Eugenie Bouchard that went all the way. — 39 /52

Elise Mertens will face Pliskova in the semifinals after winning a battle with Eugenie Bouchard that went all the way.

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Bouchard hit 33 winners to 30 unforced errors in going down the Belgian. — 40 /52

Bouchard hit 33 winners to 30 unforced errors in going down the Belgian.

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Irina-Camelia Begu's second round was called off with the Romanian down a set to Leonie Kung - but the next day she rebounded to win an epic before taking a set lead over Sara Sorribes Tormo in the quarterfinals before that was also halted due to light. — 41 /52

Irina-Camelia Begu's second round was called off with the Romanian down a set to Leonie Kung - but the next day she rebounded to win an epic before taking a set lead over Sara Sorribes Tormo in the quarterfinals before that was also halted due to light.

Jimmie48/WTA

Top seed Simona Halep made short work of Magdalena Frech as she moved through to the semifinals in exactly an hour with a 6-2, 6-0 victory. — 42 /52

Top seed Simona Halep made short work of Magdalena Frech as she moved through to the semifinals in exactly an hour with a 6-2, 6-0 victory.

Jimmie48/WTA

Irina-Camelia Begu's series of rolling epics meant that for the second straight day the World No.82 began by finishing off a three-setter, this time a quarterfinal over Sara Sorribes Tormo, before returning later to start her next round. — 43 /52

Irina-Camelia Begu's series of rolling epics meant that for the second straight day the World No.82 began by finishing off a three-setter, this time a quarterfinal over Sara Sorribes Tormo, before returning later to start her next round.

Jimmie48/WTA

Elise Mertens ended the run of the last home hope, Kristyna Pliskova, in the semifinals, edging two tight sets to reach her seventh career final, and first since Doha 2019. — 44 /52

Elise Mertens ended the run of the last home hope, Kristyna Pliskova, in the semifinals, edging two tight sets to reach her seventh career final, and first since Doha 2019.

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Simona Halep was three times down a break in the first set against Irina-Camelia Begu in an all-Romanian semifinal, but eventually came back to overhaul her compatriot 7-6(2), 6-3. — 45 /52

Simona Halep was three times down a break in the first set against Irina-Camelia Begu in an all-Romanian semifinal, but eventually came back to overhaul her compatriot 7-6(2), 6-3.

Jimmie48/WTA

There was more Romanian success in the doubles as Monica Niculescu and Raluca Olaru stunned two-time major champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in a match tiebreak in the semifinals to reach their first final as a team. — 46 /52

There was more Romanian success in the doubles as Monica Niculescu and Raluca Olaru stunned two-time major champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in a match tiebreak in the semifinals to reach their first final as a team.

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Czech second seeds Kristyna Pliskova and Lucie Hradecka (left) were champions on home soil after defeating Raluca Olaru and Monica Niculescu (right) 6-2, 6-2 in the doubles final. — 47 /52

Czech second seeds Kristyna Pliskova and Lucie Hradecka (left) were champions on home soil after defeating Raluca Olaru and Monica Niculescu (right) 6-2, 6-2 in the doubles final.

Jimmie48/WTA

It was the fifth WTA doubles title for Pliskova and the 24th for three-time Grand Slam doubles champion Lucie Hradecka, but their first as a team. — 48 /52

It was the fifth WTA doubles title for Pliskova and the 24th for three-time Grand Slam doubles champion Lucie Hradecka, but their first as a team.

Jimmie48/WTA

Elise Mertens was up a break in the first set and a game away from taking the second set, but was ultimately outplayed by Simona Halep in the final. — 49 /52

Elise Mertens was up a break in the first set and a game away from taking the second set, but was ultimately outplayed by Simona Halep in the final.

Jimmie48/WTA

Simona Halep, who had lost the 2019 Doha final to Elise Mertens from a set and a break up, hit top form to hold off the Belgian and emerge a 6-2, 7-5 victor. — 50 /52

Simona Halep, who had lost the 2019 Doha final to Elise Mertens from a set and a break up, hit top form to hold off the Belgian and emerge a 6-2, 7-5 victor.

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WTA Tournament Relations Director Fabrizio Sestini presents Prague champion Simona Halep with flowers in a special socially distanced trophy ceremony. — 51 /52

WTA Tournament Relations Director Fabrizio Sestini presents Prague champion Simona Halep with flowers in a special socially distanced trophy ceremony.

Jimmie48/WTA

Simona Halep is now on a nine-match winning streak after winning her 21st trophy, having taken the title in both her last tournament before the tour shutdown - in Dubai in February - and her first tournament back. — 52 /52

Simona Halep is now on a nine-match winning streak after winning her 21st trophy, having taken the title in both her last tournament before the tour shutdown - in Dubai in February - and her first tournament back.

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