Barbora Krejcikova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 2-6 6-4 in the women’s singles final at Roland Garros on Saturday to claim her first Grand Slam singles title and become the first Czech woman to win in Paris since Hana Mandlikova in 1981.

An improbable run to the final was capped by an intriguing match that swung in both directions – but ultimately it was Krejcikova who had the edge in the moments that mattered most.

"I'm extremely happy. I mean, it's a dream come true, for sure," Krejcikova said later. "It's really hard to put the words together right now because there are so many emotions, so many things going through my mind."

Prior to this tournament, Krejcikova had been best-known for her doubles prowess. The 25-year-old has been steadily improving her singles performances in recent months - but that she has reached the summit of the singles game so quickly has surprised many around the tennis world, including Krejcikova herself.

"I don't know. I'm not really expecting anything," she said when asked about her rapid rise.

It was a nervy start from the Czech, who double faulted twice as she dropped serve in the opening game of the match. Any thoughts that this might present an opportunity for the more-experienced Pavlyuchenkova to quickly gain a foothold, however, were soon dispelled. Krejcikova soon settled into the contest, as she reeled off six straight games to move one set up.

But Pavlyuchenkova was never going to roll over. The momentum completely switched as the Russian took the second set for the loss of just two games – even a medical timeout at 5-2 in the second could not stop Pavlyuchenkova from achieving parity.

Where the opening sets had been one-sided, the decider was closely-fought. Krejcikova had match point chances at 5-3 on Pavlyuchenkova’s serve, but the Russian steeled herself to remain in the contest for at least one more game. The advantage was still with Krejcikova, however, and she managed to hold firm on serve to close out a glorious victory.  

"I'm just really happy that I was able to handle it as I did," Krejcikova, clearly a master of understatement, summarised afterwards. "Mentally, I think, that was the biggest key."

For Pavlyuchenkova, who was through to her first Grand Slam final on her 52nd appearance at a major, there will be many positives to take from her campaign here. 

"I've had a long and tough road also getting into the final," she said. "It seemed like it was so close but so far at the same time. So I think I'm just going to continue and take it tournament-by-tournament, match-by-match."

The Russian turns 30 next month and undoubtedly still has time on her side. In a sport where careers now can span around two decades, her performances in Paris should give reassurance that reaching a major final again is not beyond her.

Krejcikova polished off her dream week in the doubles on Sunday, becoming the first player since Mary Pierce in 2000 to win both the women's singles and doubles title at Roland Garros. 

She and Katerina Siniakova claimed their second Roland Garros women’s doubles title after beating last year’s singles champion, Iga Swiatek, and her partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4 6-2. 

After her immensely successful fortnight, Krejcikova promised herself a rare sip of champagne to celebrate.

"We will have a little bit glass of champagne," she said. "I already said I don't really drink but I think it's a time to actually celebrate it. I think we are going to really enjoy.

"The rest, I just want to go back home. I just really have to relax. I have to spend some time with my family. After that just start to work again."