LONDON — Barbora Krejcikova etched her name into tennis history last year by capturing her second Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon, defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling final. Yet, her celebration was anything but extravagant—just one sip of champagne before heading to bed.
A Dream Realized on Grass
Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, had long dreamed of conquering Wimbledon’s hallowed grass courts. "Wimbledon is special—it’s the tournament I watched as a kid, the one that made me fall in love with tennis," she said after her victory. Her journey to the title was anything but straightforward, battling through a tough draw and overcoming moments of self-doubt.
The Czech star’s path included a grueling three-set semifinal against former champion Elena Rybakina, where she saved match points. "I just kept believing, even when it felt impossible," Krejcikova recalled. Her resilience paid off, setting up a final against the tenacious Paolini, who was playing in her first major final.
The Final: A Masterclass in Composure
The championship match was a showcase of Krejcikova’s versatility. Known for her doubles prowess (she’s a multiple Grand Slam doubles winner), she blended power with precision, dismantling Paolini’s aggressive baseline game. Key moments included:
- Breaking Paolini early in both sets to seize control
- Dominating at the net with 15 volley winners
- Saving all five break points she faced
The final scoreline—6-3, 6-4—belied the intensity of the contest. "Jasmine fought incredibly hard. Every point felt like a battle," Krejcikova admitted. When Paolini’s final forehand sailed long, Krejcikova dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by emotion.
A Celebration Unlike Any Other
While many champions indulge in wild celebrations, Krejcikova opted for quiet reflection. "I had one sip of champagne in the locker room, called my family, and went to sleep," she revealed. Her low-key approach surprised many, but it reflected her grounded personality. "I just wanted to savor the moment in my own way."
Her coach, Ales Kartus, later shared that Krejcikova was already thinking about her next tournament. "That’s Barbora—always focused, always humble. She celebrated internally, but her mind never stops working."
The Road to Wimbledon Glory
Early Struggles and Doubts
Krejcikova’s 2023 season had been inconsistent before Wimbledon. A series of early exits left her questioning her form. "I didn’t know if I could win another Slam. I had to reset mentally," she confessed. Working with Kartus, she refined her grass-court game, emphasizing serve placement and movement.
The Turning Point
A pivotal moment came in the fourth round, where she rallied from a set down against American Jessica Pegula. "That match gave me the belief I could go all the way," Krejcikova said. From there, her confidence grew with each round, culminating in her dominant final performance.
What’s Next for Krejcikova?
With two Grand Slam titles now under her belt, Krejcikova has cemented her place among tennis’ elite. Her 2024 season has been strong, with deep runs at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. "I want to keep improving, maybe even try for a Golden Slam one day," she said with a smile.
Her Wimbledon triumph also reignited discussions about her doubles career. Though she’s scaled back to focus on singles, she hasn’t ruled out a return to doubles. "Doubles taught me so much. I’ll never close that door completely."
A Champion’s Legacy
Krejcikova’s Wimbledon win was more than just a title—it was a testament to her perseverance. "I proved to myself that I belong here," she said. Her understated celebration, just one sip of champagne, spoke volumes about her character: a champion who lets her racket do the talking.
As she looks ahead, Krejcikova remains driven by the same passion that fueled her as a child watching Wimbledon. "Tennis is my life. I’ll keep chasing dreams, one sip at a time."