Beneath blue skies on a calm, sunny day, with the flags of the four Grand Slam federations hardly moving above the court, the pair put their clay prowess on display in an entertaining match-up that featured high quality ball striking and plenty of eye-catching winners.
Story of the match
In the pair’s second meeting it was Valentova who jumped out to an early 3-0 lead but she was quickly reeled in by Samson, the feisty No.3 seed stepping out on the front foot to break back and level up at three-all.
Sensing the moment, Valentova raised her intensity and drove the ball with more authority in the second half of the opening set, and it paid dividends – she powered through the final three games to claim the set in 35 minutes, 6-3.
It was Samson, who had come through her last three victories in three sets to reach her maiden Grand Slam junior final, who showed her steel in the second set, erasing a 3-1 deficit to put her nose in front for the first time with a service hold for 4-3.
Valentova was not put off by the challenge. There was a cry of relief when she negotiated a tough service hold for 4-4, and she would soon serve for the match at 6-5.
Her joy was delayed when Samson dug in broke back, but soon the floodgates would open.
Reeling off seven consecutive points in a dominant tie-break to lock down her triumph in one hour and 40 minutes, Valentova dropped to her back on the clay, the tears flowing as Valentova received a big hug from Samson at the net.
What was the key to victory for the 17-year-old?
"I think it was, for sure more the mentality side," she said. "It was really tough, because we are in the same club. We are practicing together sometimes.
"It was pretty tough. I think we played both good. Sometimes up-and-downs, but yeah, it's tennis sometimes."
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
