Barbora Krejcikova fended off a resilient Jasmine Paolini in an exhilarating Wimbledon final to secure her second Grand Slam singles title.
Krejcikova, who triumphed at the French Open in 2021, raised her arms in celebration after clinching a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory on her third championship point.
Following the match, she shared a heartfelt hug with Paolini at the net and looked skyward to blow a kiss.
This victory allows 28-year-old Krejcikova to honor her late mentor and friend, Jana Novotna.
The 1998 Wimbledon champion sadly lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2017 at the age of 49.
“Jana was the one who believed in my potential and urged me to turn professional and pursue my dreams. Before she passed, she encouraged me to win a Grand Slam,” Krejcikova reflected on her fellow Czech.
“I accomplished that in Paris in 2021, and it was an indescribable moment for me. I never imagined I would win the same trophy Jana held in 1998.”
As the 31st seed, Krejcikova followed the footsteps of 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova, marking consecutive victories for the Czech Republic in women’s singles.
True to Wimbledon tradition, Krejcikova climbed into the players’ box to celebrate with her team and family, many of whom were visibly emotional.
“I can’t find the words right now—it’s simply incredible; it’s definitely the best day of my tennis career and my life,” she expressed.
As the reality of her achievement set in, Krejcikova, trophy in hand, was overcome with emotion as she exited Centre Court in tears.
For Paolini, this marks a second consecutive defeat in a Grand Slam final; she previously lost to Iga Swiatek in straight sets at last month’s French Open.
The 28-year-old Italian aimed to become her nation’s first women’s singles champion at Wimbledon.
