Barbora Krejcikova fended off a determined Jasmine Paolini to capture her second Grand Slam singles title in a thrilling Wimbledon final.
The 2021 French Open champion celebrated her 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win, raising her arms in triumph as she clinched the title on her third championship point. Krejcikova shared a heartfelt hug with Paolini at the net before blowing a kiss to the sky, honoring her late friend and coach Jana Novotna.
Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion, passed away from ovarian cancer in 2017 at 49. Krejcikova, 28, reflected on Novotna's influence: "Jana was the one who told me I had the potential and should turn pro. Before she passed, she urged me to win a Slam. Achieving that in Paris in 2021 was incredible, and winning the same trophy Jana did in 1998 is a dream come true."
Seeded 31st, Krejcikova continued the Czech Republic's recent success in women's singles, following Marketa Vondrousova's 2023 triumph. In true Wimbledon tradition, Krejcikova climbed into the players' box to celebrate with her team and family, many of whom were in tears.
"I don't have any words right now. It's just unbelievable; it's the best day of my tennis career and my life," she said, overwhelmed by her achievement. She later left Centre Court in tears, holding the trophy.
For Paolini, this result marks her second consecutive Grand Slam final defeat, having lost to Iga Swiatek in the French Open last month. The 28-year-old was aiming to become Italy's first women's singles champion at Wimbledon.
With both players being unexpected finalists, Wimbledon saw its seventh consecutive first-time women's champion. After nearly two hours on court, Krejcikova's name was etched on the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Krejcikova's journey to the title was challenging, hampered by a back injury and illness earlier in the season. Between January's Australian Open and Wimbledon, she played nine singles matches, winning only three. Yet, in the past two weeks, she triumphed in seven consecutive matches.
"Two weeks ago, I had a tough match in the first round against Veronika Kudermetova. I wasn't in good shape due to injury and illness," Krejcikova said. "I didn't have a great start to the season. It's unbelievable to be here now and to have won Wimbledon. I have no idea how it happened."
A seven-time major winner in women's doubles and a three-time mixed doubles champion, Krejcikova boasts an impressive 12-1 overall record in Grand Slam finals. For her Wimbledon victory, she will receive £2.7 million in prize money. Photo by Carine06 from UK, Wikimedia commons.