With legend Martina Navratilova watching with pride, Barbora Krejcikova has joined a richly-talented list of Czech Republic women to win Wimbledon when defeating Italian Jasmine Paolini in London on Saturday.
The 28-year-old confirmed herself a certain International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee after winning her second grand slam singles title with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 triumph over Paolini, who was bidding to become the shortest grand slam champion in the Open era, in 1hr 56min.
Krejcikova, who claimed her first grand slam title at Roland Garros in 2021, has also won seven major doubles titles and three Australian Open mixed crowns in a fine career, but this is indisputably the finest moment of her career.
The Czech Republic star had paid an emotional tribute to her friend and former coach Jana Novotna, a former Wimbledon champion who died from ovarian cancer in 2017, after her semifinal and blew a kiss to the sky after clinching the crown on her fourth match point.
As a teenager, she approached the 1998 champion asking for advice. The prize was gaining a close friend and the inspiration to become a champion.
“I think coming to Jana, knocking on the door, giving her the letter, everything that happened during that moment, I think it changed my life,” she said.
“Jana was the one who told me that I had the potential and I should definitely turn pro and tried to make it. Before she passed away, she told me to go and win a slam, and I have achieved that. I never really dreamt that I would win the same trophy that Jana did in 1998.”
Paolini, who had never won a tour match on grass until late last month but has emerged as the most improved player in tennis after reaching consecutive major finals, sat with her head bowed after fighting valiantly for victory.
Krejcikova had been untouchable on serve throughout the deciding set, winning 21 of her first 22 points, but serving out any match is far from easy, let alone one with the Wimbledon crown hanging on it against a player as passionate as Paolini.
At 30-0 in the final game, the right-hander double-faulted and was forced to save a break point and battled nerves before finally clinching the crown at her fourth attempt. As she clutched the champion’s trophy, Krejcikova was still in disbelief.
“It is unbelievable what just happened. It is definitely the best day of my tennis career and also the best day of my life,” she said.
“I was just telling myself to be brave … it was such a difficult match, such a great final … and I enjoyed it so much. I am super happy that I am standing her and can imagine this moment.”
Paolini, who is the first Italian woman to reach a Wimbledon final, is a player who plays with great passion and her body language was largely positive throughout. This endeared her to the crowd, who were largely supportive of her.
“It is a dream come true to play on this stage. I would like to congratulate Barbora. You played unbelievable. You play such beautiful tennis and congrats to yourself and your team, of course,” she said.
“The last two months have been crazy for me. I received a lot of support (from the crowd) and it is just incredible to feel the love from them.
“It is important to keep smiling because I have to remember that today is such a good day, because I was in the final of Wimbledon. To be here right now, it is crazy. It has been a beautiful two weeks.”
More to come …
Source Agencies
