Barbora Krejcikova bounced back from losing the second set to defeat Jasmine Paolini 6-2 2-6 6-4 in the Wimbledon final, thereby increasing her total tally of Grand Slam titles (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) to 12.
No.31 seed Krejcikova dominated the first set with immaculate serving and net play, boasting a 90% first-serve percentage and winning 84% of her first-serve points, along with a perfect 5/5 record at the net. In just 36 minutes, the Czech, who boasts extensive experience on big stages, having previously clinched the 2021 Roland Garros title and ten additional major titles in doubles, secured the opener 6-2.
Just as it seemed that Krejcikova was cruising through the final, Paolini shifted the momentum in the second set, racing to a 4-1 lead. Playing her second Grand Slam final in five weeks, the Italian capitalized on her advantage and soon forced a decider on her first set point in 37 minutes.
The third set remained on serve until 3-3, when Paolini courageously saved one break point but faltered on the second with a double fault. Would this double fault prove costly in her pursuit of a first Grand Slam title? It turned out, yes.
In the next game, Krejcikova held serve flawlessly, not dropping a single point. Paolini responded with a strong hold of her own,…
