Tennis

Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, may have fallen short of her Olympic dreams in singles and doubles at the Paris Games, but her Olympic experience extended far beyond her own performances.Krejcikova embraced her role as a passionate supporter, cheering on her fellow Czech athletes from the sidelines. She witnessed Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova's valiant effort in the women's doubles semifinals, despite their eventual loss to the Italian team.Undeterred, Krejcikova returned to Roland Garros to witness another Czech Olympic battle, this time in mixed doubles. Tomas Machac and Katerina Siniakova, despite their recent breakup, displayed remarkable chemistry on the court. They faced off against China's formidable duo, Xinyu Wang and Zhizhen Zhang.In a thrilling encounter, the Czech team emerged victorious, winning 10-8 in a deciding super tiebreak. Krejcikova's joy was evident as she celebrated the first Olympic medal for her country in Paris.While Muchova and Noskova aim to add a bronze medal to the Czech tally, Krejcikova's Olympic journey has taken a different turn. She has embraced the role of a fan, supporting her teammates and reveling in the Olympic spirit.Krejcikova's Olympic experience serves as a reminder that success can be found in many forms. While individual glory may not have been her destiny in Paris, her unwavering support and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on her fellow athletes and the Czech Olympic delegation.

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova's Olympic singles journey came to an end in the quarterfinals, as she succumbed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia. Schmiedlova's victory marked the elimination of both Wimbledon finalists, having previously defeated runner-up Jasmine Paolini in the third round.Krejcikova, seeded ninth in Paris, has enjoyed success on the clay courts of Roland Garros, winning the French Open singles and doubles titles in 2021. However, the oppressive heat and humidity proved to be a challenge for the Czech player.Schmiedlova, ranked 67th, capitalized on Krejcikova's unforced errors, which totaled 32 compared to Schmiedlova's 15. The Slovakian also converted five of her 11 break points, while Krejcikova struggled with her serve, committing five double-faults.In the men's draw, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Dominik Koepfer of Germany. Djokovic will face Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, who defeated him in the first two sets of the 2021 French Open final before Djokovic rallied to win.Other notable results in the men's third round saw Tommy Paul of the U.S. defeat Corentin Moutet of France, while Taylor Fritz of the U.S. was eliminated by Lorenzo Musetti of Italy.

Barbora Krejcikova's Wimbledon triumph has not only earned her a Grand Slam title but also a unique LEGO set commemorating her victory. The 28-year-old Czech star took to social media to showcase the colorful collection, which includes a replica of the Venus Rosewater Dish, an action-ready figurine, and a tennis racquet.Krejcikova's passion for LEGO extends beyond her Wimbledon win. She revealed during a Q&A session that building with the blocks is her favorite pastime during rain delays at the tournament. Her love for LEGO has caught the attention of the Danish brand, which has previously partnered with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Leylah Fernandez.In addition to her LEGO set, Krejcikova is also rallying fans to support a petition on LEGO's Idea Lab to create a replica of Centre Court. The petition has garnered over 2,000 signatures so far, but needs to reach 10,000 to be considered for production.Krejcikova's success on and off the court is a testament to her determination and passion. Her Wimbledon victory has not only cemented her status as a top player but has also inspired her to pursue her other interests, such as LEGO building.

Barbora Krejcikova, the newly crowned Wimbledon champion, has a unique request for her fans: help her acquire a LEGO replica of Centre Court. The Czech star, who has emerged as a LEGO enthusiast during this year's rain-interrupted Wimbledon, has expressed her desire to build the intricate model, which features over 2,800 bricks and intricate details like the retractable roof.Krejcikova's passion for LEGO was revealed during a Q&A with fans ahead of her quarterfinal match, where she mentioned completing a Milky Way and Harry Potter's Dobby models. When a reporter suggested a Centre Court build, she enthusiastically responded, "If there's one for me, I'll do it."Her request has been met with a positive response. The LEGO idea lab has shared a concept for a Centre Court model, which will be commissioned if it receives 10,000 votes. Krejcikova has urged her fans to support the project, citing her eagerness to build it.Krejcikova's LEGO obsession is not an isolated case. Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1 and another LEGO enthusiast, has received two custom tennis models from the company. After winning her third consecutive Roland Garros title, Swiatek was gifted a replica of Court Philippe-Chatrier, complete with an "Iga's Bakery" and miniature versions of her team and cat. LEGO also produced a replica of her Technifibre racquet.Swiatek has been a brand ambassador for LEGO in Poland since January and has showcased her new toys during her clay-court return to practice. She will enter the Olympics as the gold medal favorite, carrying a 21-match winning streak on clay.Krejcikova's request for a Centre Court LEGO model highlights the growing popularity of the building blocks among tennis stars. It also demonstrates the company's willingness to cater to the unique interests of its fans, creating custom models that celebrate their achievements and passions.

The Wimbledon Championships concluded with a grand finale, crowning Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova as the new King and Queen of Centre Court. The pair celebrated their triumphs at the traditional Wimbledon Champions Dinner, a glittering event held at the Raffles London hotel.Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, secured his second consecutive Wimbledon title with a dominant performance against Novak Djokovic. His victory marked a significant shift in the men's tennis landscape, with Alcaraz emerging as a formidable force. Despite his triumph, Alcaraz remained grounded, expressing his eagerness to support the Spanish national team in the European Championships final.Krejcikova, a 28-year-old Czech, dedicated her Wimbledon singles victory to her mentor, Jana Novotna, the 1998 champion who passed away in 2017. Krejcikova's triumph was a testament to her resilience and determination, having previously won 10 Grand Slam titles in doubles.The Wimbledon Champions Dinner is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the tournament's winners. The champions showcased their trophies and posed for portraits, receiving honorary All England Club memberships. The highlight of the evening was the graceful dance between Alcaraz and Krejcikova, which drew both laughter and admiration.Alcaraz arrived at the dinner in a Louis Vuitton tuxedo and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, while Krejcikova donned a green A-line gown by Jovani. Both champions exuded elegance and style, reflecting the prestige of the occasion.The Wimbledon Champions Dinner is a fitting tribute to the tournament's winners, providing a platform for them to celebrate their achievements and connect with fellow champions. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Wimbledon, a tournament that continues to inspire and captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Barbora Krejcikova's Wimbledon triumph has not only earned her the coveted title but also a potential new coaching role from none other than pop icon P!nk. The Grammy-winning singer, an avid tennis enthusiast, has expressed her admiration for the Czech champion and extended an invitation to become her coach.Krejcikova and P!nk's connection dates back to last year's Indian Wells tournament, where the singer participated in a charity exhibition match and witnessed Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova's doubles victory. The pop star has since become a fan of Krejcikova, describing her as "a big star in Czech."After Krejcikova's thrilling 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final, P!nk was among the first to congratulate the newly crowned champion. In a heartwarming encounter, the singer embraced Krejcikova and exclaimed, "Hi champ!"Krejcikova expressed her gratitude for P!nk's support, saying, "You liked it?" To which the singer replied, "I didn't like it! Don't ever do that again. ... I am so proud of all of you. That was so stressful."In a playful moment, Krejcikova invited P!nk to watch her from her player's box in the future. The singer responded with a joke, "Listen, don't threaten me with a good time," before declaring Krejcikova her "new coach."P!nk's presence at Wimbledon was part of a star-studded weekend that included appearances from Tom Cruise, Anna-Taylor Joy, Hugh Jackman, and Zendaya. The singer's admiration for Krejcikova and her potential coaching role have added an unexpected twist to the Wimbledon story.

Jasmine Paolini's Wimbledon dream ended in heartbreak as she fell to Barbora Krejcikova in the final, just weeks after losing the French Open title match. The Italian, ranked seventh in the world, fought back from a shaky start to level the match but ultimately succumbed to a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 defeat on Centre Court.Paolini's remarkable rise to the Wimbledon final marked a significant milestone for Italian women's tennis. She had never progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam before reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year. Her performances in Paris and London have propelled her to number five in the world rankings, a remarkable achievement considering she ended last season in 30th place.Despite the bitter disappointment of her recent losses, Paolini remains optimistic about her future prospects. "I'm still aiming at great things," she said. "I have to say that. I don't know. I'm going back, trying to practise, to stay in the present, as I said many times. This is the goal for me, my team, to try to keep this level as much as possible."Paolini's journey to the Wimbledon final was not without its challenges. She faced a tough draw, including a quarterfinal clash against former world number one Simona Halep. However, she displayed resilience and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing her impressive all-court game and powerful serve.In the final, Paolini struggled to find her rhythm in the opening set, but she rallied in the second to level the match. The deciding set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Ultimately, Krejcikova's experience and composure proved decisive as she secured the victory.Despite the disappointment, Paolini's Wimbledon run has been a testament to her talent and hard work. She has proven that she belongs among the elite players in the world and has set the stage for future success.

Wimbledon has witnessed a remarkable legacy of Czech women's tennis dominance, with four players from the country claiming Grand Slam singles titles. Barbora Krejcikova, the latest champion, has joined the ranks of Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, and Helena Sukova.Krejcikova's triumph at Wimbledon 2024 was a testament to her resilience and determination. After a challenging season, she defied expectations to reach the final, where she faced Jasmine Paolini of Italy. In a thrilling match, Krejcikova prevailed in three sets, becoming the first Czech woman to win Wimbledon since Novotna in 1998."I still can't believe I won Wimbledon," exclaimed Krejcikova. "It's a dream come true." She attributed her success to the mentorship of Novotna, who passed away in 2017. "She told me I had the potential to be a champion," said Krejcikova. "I never thought I would win the same trophy as Jana did."Novotna's legacy continues to inspire Czech tennis players. She was a trailblazing figure who won Wimbledon in 1998, becoming the first Czech woman to claim a Grand Slam singles title. Her mentorship of Krejcikova and other young players has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Czech women's tennis.Paolini, the runner-up at Wimbledon 2024, also made history by reaching the final. Her performance propelled her into the top-5 of the WTA rankings. "I'm proud of what I've achieved," said Paolini. "I've received a lot of support from the fans, and it's been an incredible experience."Wimbledon's special connection with Czech women's tennis is a testament to the country's rich tennis tradition. The Czech Republic has produced numerous world-class players, including Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova, and Tomas Berdych. The country's success in tennis is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong grassroots program, dedicated coaches, and a passion for the sport.As Wimbledon 2024 draws to a close, the legacy of Czech women's tennis continues to shine brightly. Barbora Krejcikova's triumph is a reminder of the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination that have characterized the Czech players who have graced the hallowed courts of Wimbledon.

A fortnight ago, a Wimbledon women's singles final between Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini would have been an unlikely prospect. However, on Saturday, they will face off for the prestigious Venus Rosewater Dish, becoming the eighth different singles champion at the All England Club in as many years.Both players enter the summit clash on the back of hard-fought three-set victories. Krejcikova overcame the power-hitting Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, while Paolini outlasted Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) in an epic that lasted nearly three hours.Krejcikova may have spent less time on the court, but her victory was equally challenging. The Czech was also competing in the doubles draw until late Wednesday, losing a three-set quarterfinal with partner Laura Siegemund.Despite their demanding schedules, both Krejcikova and Paolini will be sufficiently rested for the weekend final. Krejcikova's experience and Slam-winning pedigree (French Open 2021) make her the slight favorite. Her all-around skills, including her powerful groundstrokes and deft touch at the net, will be crucial.However, Paolini has been the surprise package of the season. The 28-year-old Italian has impressed with her boundless energy and aggressive style of play. She started the year with just four main draw match wins at the Majors, but has now reached two finals. Her quick footwork, explosive groundstrokes, and never-say-die attitude make her a formidable opponent.Krejcikova and Paolini have met once before, in the first-round qualifying at the Australian Open in 2018. Both players were relatively unknown at the time, but their paths have diverged significantly since then.The Wimbledon final promises to be a captivating clash between two talented and determined players. Krejcikova's experience and all-court game may give her an edge, but Paolini's youthful exuberance and fearless approach could upset the odds.