London: Barbora Krejčíková won her second Grand Slam and first Wimbledon title on Saturday, overcoming Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in a thrilling women’s final.
Krejčíková quickly took the lead by winning the first set, but Paolini, competing in her second consecutive Grand Slam final, fought back valiantly to push the match to a deciding set. Krejčíková had to draw on her experience as a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion and 2021 French Open winner to secure the victory after Paolini fended off two championship points before Krejčíková finally triumphed at her third attempt.
In her on-court interview, she declared it the best day of her life, saying, “I was telling myself to be brave … It was such a difficult match, such a great final, such a great competition and I enjoyed it so much and I’m super happy that I’m standing here and I can enjoy this moment.”
She added, “I think nobody really believes it. I don’t think anyone will believe that I got to the final and that I won Wimbledon. I still can’t believe it … I am standing here and I am a Wimbledon winner!”
Krejčíková’s Wimbledon victory also honored her late coach and mentor Jana Novotná, who won the same title in 1998 and passed away from cancer in 2017. “Jana was the one that 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 win a slam … I never dreamed that I would win the same trophy as Jana did in 1998,” Krejčíková said.
For Paolini, who had never won a match at Wimbledon before this year, reaching the final was a significant achievement. She made history as the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final, just a month after losing the French Open final to Iga Świątek. Despite the heartbreak, Paolini expressed gratitude and pride, saying, “To see this stadium full it’s a dream come true, to play here on this stage. I would like to congratulate Barbora, you played unbelievable.”
Brief Scores:
- Barbora Krejčíková: 6-2, 2-6, 6-4
- Jasmine Paolini: 2-6, 6-2, 4-6
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