LONDON — Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova saw her title defence come to a tearful end as she succumbed to physical struggles in a grueling three-set defeat against American Emma Navarro. The Czech star, visibly exhausted and emotional, admitted afterward, "I lost all energy. My body just couldn’t keep up."
A Heartbreaking Exit for the Defending Champion
Krejcikova, who claimed her maiden Wimbledon title in 2023 with a stunning run, was unable to replicate her heroics this year. The 28-year-old battled valiantly but ultimately fell 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to the 19th-seeded Navarro in a match that lasted over two hours. The Czech player, known for her fighting spirit, appeared visibly drained by the third set, her movements sluggish and her serves losing their usual bite.
In her post-match press conference, a tearful Krejcikova opened up about her physical struggles: "I gave everything I had, but my body just shut down. It’s devastating to leave like this, especially after last year. I wanted to fight, but I had nothing left." The defeat marked her earliest exit at Wimbledon since 2021.
Navarro Capitalizes on Krejcikova’s Fatigue
Emma Navarro, the rising American star, seized the opportunity against a fading Krejcikova. The 23-year-old displayed impressive composure, mixing powerful groundstrokes with deft drop shots to keep her opponent moving. Navarro’s ability to extend rallies in the decisive third set proved crucial as Krejcikova’s energy levels plummeted.
Navarro acknowledged her opponent’s condition post-match: "Barbora is an incredible champion, and I could see she wasn’t at her best today. I just tried to stay focused and take advantage of the moments when she slowed down." The victory marked Navarro’s first-ever trip to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, a career milestone.
Key Moments in the Match
The match swung on several pivotal moments:
- Krejcikova’s early break in the first set, which Navarro quickly erased.
- A marathon 12-minute game in the second set where Krejcikova saved five break points before holding.
- Navarro’s relentless baseline pressure in the third set, forcing Krejcikova into uncharacteristic errors.
Krejcikova’s Physical Struggles Raise Questions
Krejcikova’s fatigue was evident throughout the tournament. She had already survived a grueling three-setter in the previous round against Danielle Collins, a match that lasted nearly three hours. Speculation arose about whether her packed schedule—including doubles commitments—contributed to her physical decline.
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted on broadcast: "Barbora looked spent from the first game. It’s rare to see a defending champion so visibly drained. The toll of back-to-back matches, possibly combined with lingering niggles, caught up with her."
What’s Next for Krejcikova?
The Czech star, who has battled injuries in recent years, faces a critical recovery period. Her team confirmed she will skip the upcoming tournaments to focus on regaining full fitness ahead of the US Open. Krejcikova remains optimistic: "I need time to heal and rebuild. This isn’t the end—just a setback."
Meanwhile, Navarro advances to face either Coco Gauff or Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals. The American’s composed performance against a former champion signals her growing threat on grass.
A Bittersweet Farewell to Wimbledon
Krejcikova’s emotional exit resonated with fans, many of whom cheered her off Court No. 1. The defending champion waved tearfully to the crowd, her disappointment palpable. "This place means so much to me," she later shared on social media, alongside a photo of her walking off court.
As the tennis world reflects on her early exit, one thing is clear: Krejcikova’s fighting spirit remains intact, even if her body betrayed her this time. Her tearful admission—"I lost all energy"—encapsulates the brutal physical demands of defending a Grand Slam title.