In a thrilling turnaround, Barbora Krejcikova battled back to defeat former champion Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon semifinals. The Czech player’s victory sets up a final clash with Italy’s Jasmine Paolini on Saturday.
Krejcikova’s win was a testament to her determination and fighting spirit, as she overcame a sluggish start to clinch the match in two hours and seven minutes on Centre Court. This will be her second Grand Slam final, following her French Open triumph in 2021.
After a tumultuous first half of the year, marked by a back injury and illness, Krejcikova has rediscovered her form at Wimbledon, dispatching higher-ranked opponents like Danielle Collins and Jelena Ostapenko along the way.
“I’m so proud of my game and my fighting spirit today,” Krejcikova beamed. “When I broke her in the second set, I started to feel unstoppable!”
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, had been in formidable form, but Krejcikova’s determination proved too much to handle. The Czech player’s momentum carried her through the final set, wearing down Rybakina and securing a thrilling victory.
Krejcikova’s win sets up a thrilling final against Paolini, who outlasted Donna Vekic in the longest women’s semifinal at the All England Club. The stage is now set for a battle of wills between the Czech and Italian players, with Krejcikova poised to capture her second Grand Slam singles title.
