Barbora Krejcikova clinched her first Wimbledon singles title by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the final on Saturday. The 28-year-old Czech player took an hour and 15 minutes to secure the victory.
Krejcikova, who previously won the French Open in 2021, triumphed in her second Grand Slam final appearance. Her mentor, Jana Novotna, who passed away in 2017, won her only Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 1998.
“I never dreamed that I’d win the same trophy as Jana did in 1998”
Moving words from Barbora Krejcikova on the person that “changed her tennis life”, Jana Novotna ❤️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/8eSi3iGvkh
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2024
Paolini had the opportunity to become the first Italian, male or female, to win a singles major, but fell short. Earlier this year, she lost to World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the French Open final. Despite a tough match against Swiatek, Paolini put up a strong fight against Krejcikova. Notably, Paolini became the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final.
The first set was dominated by Krejcikova, who carried her confidence from defeating 2022 champion Elena Rybakina. She secured a double break to win the set quickly. Although Paolini saved a couple of breakpoints, Krejcikova maintained control.
The second set saw a determined Paolini fighting back with a double break, levelling the match. She played more aggressively, shifting the pressure onto Krejcikova.
In the final set, both players were evenly matched until Krejcikova broke Paolini’s serve at 4-3. Paolini saved a couple of championship points, but Krejcikova ultimately prevailed.
With this win, Krejcikova will return to the top 10 of the WTA rankings. Paolini, on the other hand, will aim for success at the Paris Olympics starting on June 26.
“I have to keep smiling” ?
Even in defeat, Jasmine Paolini can’t help but smile ?
A new favourite at SW19, we can’t wait to see again soon, Jasmine ❤️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/FBDFjgAIbY
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2024
Krejcikova also showed off the Venus Rosewater Dish to the adoring Wimbledon fans:
Showing off the Venus Rosewater Dish to the adoring #Wimbledon fans ? pic.twitter.com/GmMlsOPMWW
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2024
Stars including Tom Cruise, Hugh Jackman, and Zendaya enjoyed Barbora Krejcikova’s Wimbledon 2024 win over Jasmine Paolini in a 3-set thriller.
Jasmine Paolini’s remarkable career & notable achievements:
- WTA Titles: She has won two and three doubles titles on the WTA Tour, including a prestigious WTA 1000 singles title at the 2024 Dubai Tennis Championships1.
- Grand Slam Performances: Paolini reached the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, making her a two-time Grand Slam finalist.
- Career-High Rankings: She achieved career-high WTA rankings of No. 7 in singles and No. 13 in doubles in 2024.
- First WTA Title: Paolini won her first WTA singles title at the 2021 Palermo Ladies Open
- Top 10 Wins: She secured her first Top 10 win by defeating Aryna Sabalenka at the BNP Paribas Open.
- Billie Jean King Cup: Paolini has represented Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup).
