Barbora Krejcikova bounced back from losing the second set to defeat Jasmine Paolini 6-2 2-6 6-4 in the Wimbledon final, thereby increasing her total tally of Grand Slam titles (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) to 12.
No.31 seed Krejcikova dominated the first set with immaculate serving and net play, boasting a 90% first-serve percentage and winning 84% of her first-serve points, along with a perfect 5/5 record at the net. In just 36 minutes, the Czech, who boasts extensive experience on big stages, having previously clinched the 2021 Roland Garros title and ten additional major titles in doubles, secured the opener 6-2.
Just as it seemed that Krejcikova was cruising through the final, Paolini shifted the momentum in the second set, racing to a 4-1 lead. Playing her second Grand Slam final in five weeks, the Italian capitalized on her advantage and soon forced a decider on her first set point in 37 minutes.
The third set remained on serve until 3-3, when Paolini courageously saved one break point but faltered on the second with a double fault. Would this double fault prove costly in her pursuit of a first Grand Slam title? It turned out, yes.
In the next game, Krejcikova held serve flawlessly, not dropping a single point. Paolini responded with a strong hold of her own, keeping the match thrilling by earning two break points and saving two championship points in her effort to level at 5-5. However, Krejcikova clinched victory on her third championship point with a decisive service winner, securing her first Wimbledon singles title.
Before beating the seventh-seeded Paolini in the final, Krejcikova navigated her path to victory by defeating Veronika Kudermetova, Katie Volynets, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, the 11th seed Danielle Collins, the 13th seed Jelena Ostapenko, and the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
With Krejcikova’s triumph, Wimbledon celebrates its eighth different women’s singles champion in as many years. It marks the second consecutive year that the Czech Republic has produced a women’s singles champion at SW19, following Marketa Vondrousova’s victory last year.
Krejcikova’s winning tennis equipment: Fila apparel, Head Sprint Pro tennis shoes, and Head Extreme MP racquet.
