As Barbora Krejcikova stood with the Venus Rosewater Dish in her hands, she repeatedly expressed her disbelief. “I don’t have any words right now, it’s just unbelievable,” the Czech said, to cheers from the crowd.
Reflecting on her victory, Krejcikova noted, “Well, I think nobody believes it that I got to the final and nobody believes that I won Wimbledon. I still can’t believe it.”
Despite a challenging season plagued by injury and illness, Krejcikova arrived at Wimbledon with just three wins in five months. She leaves as the Wimbledon champion, having won seven consecutive matches, culminating in a thrilling 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory against seventh seed Jasmine Paolini.
Krejcikova’s tournament journey began with a tough three-set win over Veronika Kudermetova. From there, she found the form that turned her dream into reality. “Two weeks ago I had a very tough match, and I wasn’t in good shape because I was injured and ill,” she said. “It’s unbelievable I’m stood here now and I’ve won Wimbledon. I have no idea how it happened.”
Memories of Novotna on a Special Day for Krejcikova
The memory of Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion, was a constant presence during Krejcikova’s run to the title. At 18, Krejcikova and her parents sought Novotna’s mentorship, which she readily provided. They remained close until Novotna’s death in 2017 from ovarian cancer.
“That day, knocking on her door, changed my life,” Krejcikova said. “She was the one who told me I had the potential and should definitely turn pro. Before she passed away, she told me I could win a Slam. I achieved that in Paris in 2021, and now I’ve won the same trophy as Jana did in 1998.”
Krejcikova stays in the house where Novotna used to reside during Wimbledon, preferring its “relaxed atmosphere” over hotels. Seeing both their names on the women’s champions board brought her to tears. “I think she would be proud,” Krejcikova said. “I think she would be really excited that I’m on the same board as she is because Wimbledon was super special for her.”
Paolini’s Continued Struggle in Finals
For Jasmine Paolini, this was her second Grand Slam singles final defeat in five weeks, following a loss to Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Despite her bubbly personality and never-say-die attitude, Paolini’s efforts were not enough against Krejcikova.
“I think I did better than the last final, but still not enough,” Paolini said. She will rise to world number five in the latest rankings, the first Italian woman in the top five since Sara Errani in 2013. When asked about her next steps, Paolini admitted, “I don’t know. Sometimes I’m a little bit scared to dream too much. I have to say that. If I keep this level, I think I can have the chance to do great things.”