Barbora Krejcikova crowned new Wimbledon women's champion, emulates late coach Jana Novotna to become 4th Czech player to lift trophy at SW19

Barbora Krejcikova won the second Grand Slam title of her career on Saturday, taking down World No. 7 Jasmine Paolini in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Previously, the Czech had won her maiden Major title at the 2021 French Open.

Krejcikova was the more composed of the two as the contest began, as she broke early in the opening set to go 2-0 up. A second break of serve made life even easier for the 2021 French Open champion, snapping up the set 6-2 to move within one set of a Wimbledon title.

In the second set, however, Paolini came into her own. After holding serve, she broke Krejcikova to open up a 2-0 lead, then made it 3-0 quickly. The Italian then almost broke serve again to make it four games in a row, but Krejcikova saved two break points to get on the scoreboard at 3-1. Regardless, Paolini soldiered on to take the second set, breaking serve for the second time at the end to take it 6-2.

With all to play for in the decider, the scores were level until 3-3 when Krejcikova got the first break of the set. With Paolini making her first double fault of the match while facing break point, the Czech went up 4-3 to go within touching distance of the title at SW19. Serving for the match at 5*-4, Barbora Krejcikova did not falter despite some nerves, wrapping up the match on her third championship point after a little under two hours of play on Center Court.

Krejcikova is now the fourth woman from the Czech Republic to win the title at Wimbledon, following in the footsteps of Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova and Marketa Vondrousova.

Novotna also served as Krecjikova's coach in her early years, and the former World No. 2 had recalled the influence she had had on her after beating Elena Rybakina in the semifinals on Thursday.

"Definitely, I remember thinking about Jana a lot. I have so many beautiful memories and when I stepped on the court here, I am just fighting for every single ball because that's what I think she would want me to do. I just miss her very much. I miss her so much," Krejcikova had said.

Barbora Krejcikova back into top 10 after Wimbledon win

Thanks to her title run at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, Barbora Krejcikova will re-enter the top 10 when the rankings are refreshed on Monday. The Czech will replace Jelena Ostapenko, who went out in the quarterfinals at her hand.

Jasmine Paolini, on the other hand, will break into the top 5 for the first time in her career after her runner-up finish at SW19. Paolini was ranked No. 7 in the world at the start of the tournament.