Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova wipes away a tear during her third-round defeat by Emma Navarro – Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters
Defending women’s singles champion Barbora Krejcikova broke down in tears during the final set of her third-round defeat against 10th seed Emma Navarro.
Krejcikova’s season has been marred by a back injury and, having won the first set 6-2 and gone a break up, she was clearly in considerable pain in ultimately losing the second set 6-3 before taking a medical time-out during the decisive third set. She also added an extra-long sleeve layer on top of her usual kit in an attempt to curtail the obvious physical discomfort.
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After going a break down and needing to hold serve to stay in the match at 3-5 down in the third set, Krejcikova first crouched down and then turned to the back of the court before beginning to cry. Putting her hand to her face, the 17th-seeded Czech then sunk her head into the green surroundings at the back of No 1 Court and was clearly in considerable distress.
“Tough to watch,” said commentator Martina Navratilova, the nine-times singles champion.
Krejcikova did compose herself after a delay of around a minute to hold serve, even while wiping away tears during that game, before Navarro, of the United States, served out to win the deciding set 6-4.
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The 29-year-old Krejcikova, who also won the French Open in 2021, then left the court to a huge standing ovation, including from Navarro. “It was really tough today – I know she was dealing with some injuries,” said Navarro. “She’s an amazing player – injuries, no injuries. You can trick yourself into taking too much of the ball and not playing the game. It wasn’t an easy challenge.
“I have to remind myself how special this opportunity is at the most prestigious tournament in the world. It’s awesome to be here – I’m just so grateful.”
