"A lot of joy, a lot of relief" - Barbora Krejcikova overwhelmed with emotion after stunning Elena Rybakina to reach maiden Wimbledon final

Barbora Krejcikova let her emotions out on the court after defeating Elena Rybkaina in the semifinal of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. The Czech has made it to the second Grand Slam final of her career after staging an incredible comeback in the SF.

Krejcikova has had a relatively quiet season so far with her best results being the quarterfinal runs at the Australian Open and in Abu Dhabi. The Czech sustained a back injury that kept her out of action for a bit. She returned with an underwhelming display in the European clay swing. The 28-year-old lost in the opening round of every tournament she played, including the French Open.

Krejikova started her grass season at the Rothesay Classic where she reached the quarterfinals. She then lost in the opening round of the Rothesay International.

The 28-year-old started her Wimbledon run with a win over Veronika Kudermatova. She then went past Katie Volynets and Jesicca Bouzas (retired), before taking out the in-form 11th seed Danielle Collins and 13th seed Jelena Ostapenko.

The Czech came back from behind in the semifinal, upsetting fourth seed Elena Rybkina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The 2021 Roland Garros champion, Krejikova will hope to retain her winning record in major finals.

During the on-court interview, an emotional Krejcikova said she felt joy, relief, and pride after the semifinal.

"It's unbelievable. It's very tough to explain what I am feeling right now but it's a lot of joy, a lot of emotions, also a lot of relief and I'm just super proud about uhh, uhh (laughs). Yeah, just so proud about my game and about my fighting spirit today," she said.

Barbora Krejcikova will face Jasmine Paolini in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships

Barbora Krejcikova has reached her maiden Wimbledon final (IMAGE: GETTY)

Barbora Krejcikova will face seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Paolini, who has been enjoying the best season of her career, has now reached consecutive Grand Slam finals. She ousted Sara Sorribes, Greet Minnen, Bianca Andreescu, Madison Keys (retired), and Emma Navarro en route to the semifinal.

Paolini then beat Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) in the longest ladies' singles semifinals in the history of Wimbledon to become the first Italian woman to reach the singles final at SW19.

The two women faced each other once in the qualifiers at the 2018 Australian Open where Krejcikova prevailed 6-2 6-1.