Barbora Krejcikova wins Wimbledon by beating Jasmine Paolini for her second Grand Slam trophy
Barbora Krejcikova claimed her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Saturday, defeating Jasmine Paolini. Ten years ago, at age 18, Krejcikova faced a crucial decision: whether to continue her tennis career or pursue a different path. Seeking advice, she wrote to her idol, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion, in their native Czech Republic. Novotna not only encouraged her to stick with tennis but also became her mentor until she passed away from cancer in 2017.
“Before she passed away,” Krejcikova shared, “she told me to go and win a Slam.”
Krejcikova has now fulfilled that wish twice. After an unexpected victory at the French Open three years ago, she added another Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win against Paolini at the All England Club. After the match, Krejcikova saw her name newly inscribed on the list of Wimbledon champions alongside Novotna’s.
“The only thing that was going through my head was that I miss Jana a lot. It was just very, very emotional. … I think she would be proud,” Krejcikova said.
The win seemed improbable given Krejcikova’s season, marred by a back injury and illness, resulting in a 7-9 record before Wimbledon. Seeded 31st out of 32, she had to overcome a tough three-set match in the first round, which only heightened her self-doubt.
Yet by the tournament’s end, Krejcikova had impressed even her opponent. The seventh-seeded Paolini complimented her, saying, “You play such beautiful tennis.”
Krejcikova’s victory continues the recent trend of new champions at Wimbledon, making her the eighth different woman to win the title in as many years. Last year’s champion was another Czech player, Marketa Vondrousova.
Paolini, who was runner-up at the French Open last month, became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season, and the first since Venus Williams in 2002 to lose both finals.
“If I keep this level,” said the 28-year-old Italian, “I think I can have the chance to do great things.”
The final match was a tense back-and-forth battle, with the deciding game stretching to 14 points. Krejcikova secured her victory on her third match point after Paolini missed a backhand.
“I was just telling myself to be brave,” said Krejcikova, who also holds seven Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles and three in mixed doubles.
Krejcikova started strong, winning 10 of the first 11 points and taking five of the first six games. The crowd, eager for a competitive match, vocally supported Paolini. However, Paolini initially struggled, likely fatigued from her lengthy semifinal win over Donna Vekic.
After regrouping in the second set, Paolini began controlling the rallies as Krejcikova’s errors increased. The final set was evenly matched until Paolini double-faulted, allowing Krejcikova to break her serve and ultimately serve out the championship.
During the trophy ceremony, Krejcikova honored Novotna’s influence on her career. Later, at her news conference, she mentioned that Novotna frequently appears in her dreams, offering guidance and support.
When asked what she would say to Novotna now that they both were Wimbledon champions, Krejcikova responded with a smile, “I think I would turn it around. I would like to hear what she would tell me.”
