Barbora Krejcikova won Wimbledon for her second Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini in the final on Saturday. Krejcikova, a 28-year-old from the Czech Republic, adds this trophy to her championship at the French Open in 2021. Despite being unseeded in Paris and only the 31st of 32 seeds at the All England Club this year due to illness and a back injury that limited her to a 7-9 record entering this tournament, Krejcikova emerged victorious.
She becomes the eighth woman to leave Wimbledon as the champion in the past eight editions of the event. Last year’s champion, Marketa Vondrousova, also from the Czech Republic, lost in the first round last week. Paolini, the seventh-seeded player, was the runner-up at the French Open last month and is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season.
Both finalists showcased their skills, taking turns to dominate the game. Krejcikova played coolly and efficiently, claiming 10 of the first 11 points and quickly opening a double-break lead at 5-1. The crowd, likely desiring a more competitive contest, pulled loudly for Paolini, yelling “Forza!” (“Let’s go!”) and “Calma!” (“Be calm!”). Krejcikova, however, never wavered.
Her skill set includes seven Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, two of which are from Wimbledon. Krejcikova mainly stayed at the baseline, delivering smooth strokes and waiting for the ball to return to its appointed spot, getting the better of the extended exchanges. Paolini tried various strategies, but Krejcikova’s calm and composed approach ultimately led to her victory.
This Wimbledon final attracted a star-studded crowd, including actors Tom Cruise, Kate Beckinsale, and comedian Jack Black. The excitement and energy were palpable as Krejcikova secured her place in tennis history with this impressive win.
