Barbora Krejčíková wins first Wimbledon title, defeating Jasmine Paolini in tense final

Barbora Krejčíková won her second grand slam and first Wimbledon title on Saturday, eventually overpowering Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-2 2-6 6-4 in a thrilling women’s final.

Barbora Krejčíková won her second grand slam and first Wimbledon title on Saturday, eventually overpowering Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-2 2-6 6-4 in a thrilling women’s final. The Czech has endured a difficult season, disrupted by injury and marked by a subsequent tumble down the world rankings, but all that faded away as she raised her arms to the sky in celebration and soaked in the applause of the crowd on Centre Court. Though she initially raced to a one set lead, Krejčíková had to call on all her experience as a seven-time grand slam doubles champion and 2021 French Open champion in the face of Paolini’s spirited fightback. The Italian, playing in her second consecutive grand slam final, dragged the match to a deciding set and fended off two championship points before Krejčíková sealed victory at her third attempt, sparking emotional celebrations. She bounded into her box and was mobbed by her team before telling the crowd in an on-court interview that it was “the best day” of her life. “I was telling myself to be brave … It was such a difficult match, such a great final, such a great competition and I enjoyed it so much and I’m super happy that I’m standing here and I can enjoy this moment,” she said.