Inheritance and Remembrance: Krejcikova’s Glorious Wimbledon Journey

On the stage of Wimbledon, glory and tears intertwine, dreams and perseverance shine brightly. The 28-year-old Czech tennis star, Barbora Krejcikova, with her unwavering determination and extraordinary skills, has inscribed her own glorious chapter.

When she overturned former champion Elena Rybakina in the Wimbledon semifinals, and then defeated Italy’s “Steel Cannon” Camila Giorgi 2-1 in the final, successfully embracing the Venus Rosewater Dish, what people witnessed was not only her graceful demeanor on the court but also the touching bond between master and apprentice behind it. At the award ceremony, Krejcikova choked up when mentioning her late mentor Jana Novotna. Her words overflowed with deep longing and boundless gratitude for her mentor.

Krejcikova clinches the 2024 Wimbledon women’s singles title

“When I was finishing my junior tennis career, I was uncertain about whether to continue down the professional path. It was Jana who told me that I had potential and should strive to achieve my dreams. Before her passing, she encouraged me to win a Grand Slam title, which I did at the French Open in 2021. I never imagined that I would be holding this trophy here just like she did in 1998!”

Jana Novotna, the legendary figure of Czech tennis, reached the Wimbledon women’s singles finals three times. In 1993, leading 4-1 in the deciding set, she lost five consecutive games to German legend Steffi Graf; at the award ceremony, she sobbed on the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent, a scene that became one of the most heartbreaking in tennis history.

In 1997, she once again reached the final, and fate seemed to play another cruel joke on her. After winning the first set, she was reversed by Swiss prodigy Martina Hingis, losing 6-2, 3-6, 3-6. At the award ceremony, she jokingly snatched the Venus Rosewater Dish from Hingis’ hands, revealing her intense yearning for the title.

Novotna finally wins the Wimbledon title in 1998

However, setbacks did not break her spirit. In 1998, at the age of 29, Novotna rallied, avenging her loss to Hingis in the semifinals, and in the final, she defeated Nathalie Tauziat 6-4, 7-6, realizing her dream after three attempts at the Wimbledon final!

In Novotna’s tennis career, she not only won the Wimbledon women’s singles title but also claimed 12 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 in singles and No. 1 in doubles. Her achievements are undoubtedly a shining gem in the annals of tennis.

In 2014, Krejcikova, facing difficulties transitioning from the junior to the professional circuit, boldly knocked on Novotna’s door for help and guidance. Under Novotna’s careful tutelage, she found her direction again. However, fate was unpredictable, and Novotna passed away at the end of 2017 due to cancer. But Krejcikova knew that her mentor’s spirit would forever be with her.

Krejcikova lifts the French Open trophy in 2021

In 2018, Krejcikova shone first in the doubles arena, partnering with compatriot Katerina Siniakova to win the French Open and Wimbledon women’s doubles titles, finishing the year as the top-ranked doubles player, later becoming a doubles Grand Slam winner. However, in singles, she struggled to make breakthroughs until the 2021 French Open, where she soared to the top in her fifth Grand Slam main draw appearance, defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final.

After winning the French Open singles title, Krejcikova’s form was inconsistent, occasionally showing brilliance but struggling to maintain a high level of performance. Her technical style makes her a unique presence in today’s WTA.

Stepping onto the Wimbledon court this year as the 31st seed, few expected Krejcikova to reach the final or win the title. But from the first round, she gave it her all, knowing in her heart that this is what her mentor would have wished for. Every stroke, every point she scored, was as if she were communicating with her mentor in heaven.

After seven grueling rounds, a total of 175 games played, Krejcikova ultimately lifted the Wimbledon Venus Rosewater Dish, shedding the label of a “one-Slam wonder.” This Wimbledon title is not only her ultimate honor but also a profound tribute to her mentor Jana Novotna. This master-apprentice bond will forever circulate in the tennis world, inspiring more tennis players to chase their dreams and never give up.