Barbora Krejcikova from the Czech Republic triumphed over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to win the Wimbledon women’s title on Saturday, marking her second Grand Slam singles victory.
Seeded 31st, Krejcikova secured a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win, adding the 2024 All England Club crown to her 2021 French Open title.
Her victory comes 26 years after her mentor, Jana Novotna, who passed away from cancer in 2017, won the Wimbledon title.
“Before she passed away, she told me to go and win a Slam. I did that in Paris in 2021 but I never dreamed of winning the same trophy that Jana did,” said the 28-year-old Krejcikova, who secured the title in a nervy final service game on a third championship point.
“It’s unreal what just happened. The best day of my tennis career and the best day of my life.
“I was just telling myself to be brave. It was such a difficult match, a great final, a great competition and I’m super happy to be standing here enjoying this moment.”
Following her victory, Krejcikova will return to the top 10 after enduring a challenging season.
A back injury and illness had kept her winless on the tour from February to June.
The outcome means that seventh-seeded Paolini has lost two consecutive Grand Slam finals, having finished runner-up to Iga Swiatek at the French Open last month.
“I’m a little bit sad but I try to keep smiling. I have to remember today is still a good day,” said Paolini, who had never won a grass-court match in her career until last month.
“I remember watching Wimbledon as a kid cheering for Roger Federer, so to be here now is crazy. It’s been a beautiful two weeks.”
She added: “Barbora, you played unbelievable. You play such beautiful tennis. Congrats to you and your team.”
