Seed No. 31 Crejtzkova made a comeback in three sets against former champion Rybakina in the women’s singles semi-final held last night, marking her first entry into the Wimbledon final.
“I never thought I’d be here in the singles final,” the Czech said in her post-match interview on the court, “I’ve been fighting all day today, never giving up on the match, and I’m very happy about that. I was in an incredibly focused state from the start of the match, and it stayed that way throughout.”
Crejtzkova
This is Crejtzkova’s first appearance in a Grand Slam singles final since winning the French Open in 2021. Reflecting on her growth over the past few years, the Czech said, “I feel like I’ve improved in every aspect. My level on fast courts is getting better and better. Because all the players are constantly refining their game styles, I felt the need to constantly improve myself as well, and it seems that I have indeed made some progress, as I’ve made it to another Grand Slam final.”
Following her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2021 French Open, Crejtzkova spent most of the subsequent time ranked in the top 10. However, due to a back injury in February this year, she was sidelined for two months, and upon her return, she suffered five consecutive losses on the tour. Her world ranking plummeted, and by the start of Wimbledon, her singles ranking was No. 32, just enough to qualify as a seed.
“It was indeed very difficult during the clay-court season,” recalled Crejtzkova, “I went through many tough times, but I never imagined that a month later, I would make it to the Wimbledon final. I’ve completely transformed into a completely different player, but I’m obviously very happy about it, having overcome various challenges.”
In the women’s singles final, Crejtzkova will face No. 7 Paolini. The Czech has only faced top-10 players twice this season, both occasions occurring in Grand Slam tournaments. Once was a loss to eventual champion Sabalenka at the Australian Open this year, and the other was a victory over Rybakina in the recently concluded Wimbledon semi-final.
Crejtzkova and Paolini have met once before, in the first round of the qualifying tournament at the 2018 Australian Open, when both were ranked outside the top 100. At that time, the Czech won in straight sets, losing only three games. Time has passed, and these two players have grown into top female tennis players. Six years later, they will meet again in the Wimbledon final.
“Honestly, I don’t remember that match,” said Crejtzkova, “It was a long time ago. For both of us, making it all the way to the Wimbledon final has been a wonderful journey.”