Barbora Krejcíková is the ladies singles campion at Wimbledon after winning a thrilling final on Saturday in London.

The 28-year-old Krejcíková won her second Grand Slam title with a three-set win against the seventh seeded Jasmine Paolini of Italy. It is somewhat fitting that she won the final as this was the only Grand Slam her late coach, Jana Novotná, was able to win in her illustrious career. Novotná won the women’s singles in 1998, while Krejcíková was just three-year-old.

Krejcíková needed just under two hours on court to beat the exciting Italian 6-2, 2-6 and 6-4 for what is no doubt the biggest win of her career.

Following her win at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Krejcíková, said she was inspired by Novotná and she would have been proud of her.

“I am dreaming about her a lot  - In the dreams we are talking and it’s very personal,” said Krejcíková.

“I would like to hear what she would tell me. I think she would tell me that she is very proud of me and that she’s super happy.

“When I was shown my name on the Wimbledon honours board right next to her, it was a very very emotional moment. The only thing that was going through my head was that I miss her a lot.

“I think she would be really excited that I’m on the same board as her because Wimbledon was super special to her.

“Here I think I have played the best tennis of my career. Today was very difficult, and I really had to dig deep, also mentally. I'm extremely proud that I was able to do that, to hold everything together, and to win.

“It’s unbelievable I’m a two-time major champion. On the other hand, I’m still the same person. I still love tennis very much. I still want to continue playing well and fighting for other tournaments.”

Sadly, Novotná passed away on 19 November 2017 following a battle with cancer.

Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon it’s the gentleman’s final with Carlos Alcaraz up against Novak Djokovic. It’s repeat of the 2023 championship match which was won by Alcaraz in five-sets.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport