Barbora Krejcikova overcame Italian favorite Jasmine Paolini to win the Wimbledon singles title on Saturday, triumphing 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 on Centre Court. The Czech player initially dominated the opening set but faced a strong comeback from Paolini, pushing the match into a decisive third set.
Although momentum was with seventh seed Paolini, the match shifted when 31st seed Krejcikova broke serve at 3-3 due to a double fault. Serving for the title at 5-4, Krejcikova held her nerve despite wasting two match points and saving two break points, finally clinching victory on her third attempt.
Reflecting on the nerve-wracking final moments, Krejcikova shared, “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.” Watched by Czech-born nine-time singles champion Martina Navratilova, Krejcikova also dedicated her win to her late friend and mentor Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion.
Paolini, seeking to become the first Italian to win the Wimbledon singles title, expressed mixed emotions. “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’s victory continues a tradition of Czech-born Wimbledon champions and adds to her 2021 French Open title. The battle was marked by Krejcikova’s early dominance, her struggle in the second set, and a decisive third set where she delivered five aces.
Despite facing fierce play from Paolini, who had beaten Donna Vekic in the longest Wimbledon women’s semi-final to reach her first final, Krejcikova’s experience shone through as she secured the title.