With legend Martina Navratilova watching with pride, Barbora Krejcikova joined a richly-talented list of Czech Republic women to win Wimbledon when defeating Italian Jasmine Paolini in London in a thrilling final on Saturday. The 28-year-old confirmed herself a certain International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee after winning her second grand slam singles title with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 triumph over Paolini, who was bidding to become the first Italian woman to win Wimbledon, in 1hr 56min. Krejcikova, who claimed her first grand slam singles title at Roland Garros in 2021, has also won seven major doubles titles and three Australian Open mixed crowns in a fine career, but this is indisputably the finest moment.
She joins the Czech-born Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon champion, dual-winner Petra Kvitova, Jana Novotna and last year’s champion Marketa Vondrousova as women from her nation to capture the most prestigious crown in tennis. Watch every round of The Open LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today > Barbora Krejcikova of Czechia lifts the Ladies' Singles Trophy on the Clubhouse Balcony.
Source: Getty Images The Czech Republic star had paid an emotional tribute to her friend and former coach Novotna, a former Wimbledon champion who died from ovarian cancer in 2017, after her semifinal and blew a kiss skywards on Saturday after clinching the crown on her fourth match point. As a teenager, she approached the beloved 1998 champi.