Barbora Krejcikova triumphed at the Wimbledon singles title on Saturday, overcoming Italian favorite Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling match that ended 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 on a sunny Centre Court. The Czech player, renowned for her doubles prowess, dominated the first set with an almost flawless performance. However, Paolini’s spirited comeback in the second set set the stage for an intense decider.
In the final set, momentum seemed to favor the seventh-seeded Paolini. However, the tide turned when Krejcikova broke serve at 3-3, capitalizing on a crucial double-fault by Paolini. Serving for the title at 5-4, Krejcikova faced a nerve-wracking challenge, squandering two match points and saving two break points before finally sealing her victory on the third attempt.
“I was just telling myself to be brave and if the game doesn’t go my way it’s still 5-5 and we continue,” Krejcikova said, reflecting on the tense finale. She was watched by Czech-born nine-time singles champion Martina Navratilova, who cheered her on from the stands.
Before receiving her trophy, the 28-year-old Krejcikova paid tribute to her late mentor and fellow Brno native, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion who passed away in 2017. “Jana was the one that told me I have potential and that I should turn pro and before she passed away she told me to go and win a Grand Slam,” Krejcikova shared. Adding the Wimbledon title to her 2021 French Open triumph, Krejcikova now holds 10 Grand Slam doubles titles, including two at the All England Club.
While Krejcikova celebrated her hard-fought victory, Paolini faced heartbreak for the second time in weeks, having also lost the French Open final. Despite her disappointment, Paolini remained positive. “Today I am a little bit sad. I try to keep smiling because I have to remember today is still a good day, I made the final of Wimbledon,” she said.
Krejcikova continued the tradition of Czech-born Wimbledon champions, following Marketa Vondrousova, who won the title last year. She started the match with determination, breaking serve in the first game and establishing a 2-0 lead. Although Paolini, who had defeated Donna Vekic in the longest-ever Wimbledon women’s semi-final, showed resilience, Krejcikova’s relentless pressure secured the first set in just 35 minutes.
Paolini returned with renewed vigor in the second set, seizing on Krejcikova’s mistakes to lead 3-0 and eventually taking the set. However, Krejcikova’s experience and powerful serve, including five aces in the final set, helped her regain control. The crucial break at 3-3 in the decider ultimately led Krejcikova to victory, solidifying her status as a Grand Slam champion once more.