Barbora Krejcikova has followed in the footsteps of her late coach Jana Novotna by capturing the Wimbledon title after beating Jasmine Paolini.
The Czech 31st seed battled her way to roller-coaster a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, win on Center Court to capture her second major title and her first since the 2021 French Open. Making her the first female player to win different Grand Slam tournaments whilst representing the Czech Republic in the Open Era. It is only the second time in 2024 she has beaten somebody currently ranked in the top 10.
Krejcikova’s triumph at The All England Club featured a total of 28 winners against 37 unforced errors. Overall, she broke Paolini two times in what was their first main draw meeting on the WTA Tour.
“I don’t have any words right now, it’s just unbelievable, it’s definitely the best day of my tennis career and also the best day of my life.” Said the new champion.
“It’s super difficult to explain what I’m feeling right now.”
In the first Wimbledon final to feature two women over the age of 28 since 1977, Krejcikova got off to a dream start by winning eight out of the first nine points played in the match against a nervous Paolini. The Czech was twice on the verge of breaking again for a 3-0 but the Italian battled hard to hold serve. Triggering a big cheer from the full capacity Center Court crowd.
However, Krejcikova continued to be in control of proceeding with some heavy hitting and defensive skills. Back-to-back Paolini errors handed her another break to move ahead 4-1. Storming through the remainder of the first set, Krejcikova closed it in 35 minutes with a deep forehand shot her rival returned into the net. An impressive start by somebody who was facing a top 10 player for only the third time this year.
The Paolini comeback started after she briefly left the court for a comfort break. Increasing her intensity and aggressiveness, the world No.7 claimed three straight games at the start of the second frame to bring herself back into title contention. Meanwhile, Krejcikova was suddenly the one making mistakes, as well as struggling with her ball toss at times. Illustrated best when she hit a forehand wide to hand Paolini the second set.
Heading into the decider, both players stood firm behind their serve early on before a fatal double fault from Paolini handed the Czech a decisive break as she moved to a game away from victory. She closed the match out in dramatic fashion by surviving a four-deuce game where she saved two break points, failed to convert two match points before finally sealing victory with a serve to the Paolini backhand that was returned out.
“I would like to congratulate Jasmine and her team, she had a great two weeks, it was a great final and we were fighting for every point.” Said Krejcikova.
“In the end, I was the lucky one but it has been amazing what she’s been able to achieve in just a short period, so again congratulations.”
Krejcikova was the last player to be mentored by 1998 champion Novotna before her death from ovarian cancer at the age of 49. In 2014 she visited Novotna’s apartment with her family and presented a letter of introduction, outlining her desire to find a mentor.
“Coming to Jana, knocking on her door, giving her the letter.. everything that happened during that moment just changed my life.” She reflected.
“It changed my tennis life. During the period when I finished juniors, I didn’t know what I should do. I didn’t know if I should play pro or go the way of education.
“Jana was the one who told me I had the potential and that I should definitely turn pro and try to make it. Before she passed away she told me to go and win a slam. I achieved it already in Paris in 2021. It was an unbelievable moment for me. I never dreamed I’d win the same trophy as Jana did in 1998.”
There are also plenty of positives for Paolini, who never won a main draw match at Wimbledon until this year. She has become the first Italian woman to reach the title match. Her breakthrough comes during a season where she won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and then reached the final of the French Open.
“The last two months have been crazy for me. I want to thank my team and my family. They always support me and I wouldn’t be here without them,” the runner-up said.
“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.
“I remember as a kid watching the final and cheering for Federer. It’s been a beautiful two weeks and I want to thank everyone who made it possible.”
Krejcikova has become only the sixth woman in the Open Era to win their maiden Wimbledon title after turning 28. She is also the second-lowest-ranked player to lift the trophy since the ranking system was introduced in 1975. The lowest-ranked player to do so was Marketa Vondrousova last year.
