Janice R. Andrews
In an intense Wimbledon final, Barbora Krejcikova defeated Jasmine Paolini to win her second Grand Slam singles championship. The match displayed her skill and resolve. After Marketa Vondrousova’s victory in 2023, the Czech Republic has now won three straight women’s singles titles.
The winner of the 2021 French Open, Krejcikova, completed the match on her third championship point with a score of 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. The final was a wild ride, with Paolini rallying in the second set after Krejcikova had dominated the first. In the end, Krejcikova’s fortitude carried her through.
Following the match, Krejcikova gave Paolini a heartfelt hug at the net before turning to face the sky and blowing a kiss in memory of her late friend and coach, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon winner who passed away in 2017.
During her winning speech, Krejcikova remarked, “It’s unbelievable what happened.” “It’s the best day of my tennis career and the best day of my life.”
The victory was especially meaningful since it carried on Novotna’s legacy—she passed away at the age of 49 from ovarian cancer. Following Wimbledon custom, Krejcikova ascended to the players’ box to celebrate with her family, team, and friends, with several of them clearly in tears.
Paolini lost to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros last month, therefore this was her second straight Grand Slam final loss. The 28-year-old Italian just missed her goal of becoming the first women’s singles champion in her home nation at Wimbledon.
Unexpected victories by both finalists guaranteed a first-time Wimbledon champion for seven consecutive years. The Venus Rosewater Dish will now bear Krejcikova’s name, as a tribute to her grit and determination.
With a back injury and sickness, Krejcikova’s season has been difficult to say the least. Her triumph brings it to an end. She played just nine singles matches, winning just three, between the end of the Australian Open in January and the beginning of Wimbledon. Her incredible comeback saw her win seven games in two weeks and win the Wimbledon championship.
Krejcikova reflected on her journey and stated, “I wasn’t in good shape before that because I was injured and ill. Two weeks ago [in the first round against Veronika Kudermetova], I had a very tough match.” I didn’t have a very successful start to the season. It’s incredible that I’ve won Wimbledon and am standing here. I’m not sure [how it occurred].”
Krejcikova’s victory is evidence of her tenacity and capacity to triumph despite hardship. Her poignant Wimbledon triumph not only strengthens her already impressive reputation but also pays tribute to her friend and coach, Jana Novotna. Without a doubt, this victory will go down in Krejcikova’s career as one of her greatest accomplishments.
