Barbora Krejcikova’s defense of her Wimbledon title ended prematurely in the third round, succumbing to a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat against the American, Emma Navarro. The match, held on Court One, saw the Czech champion struggling with apparent injuries in the final stages, her distress evident as she wept openly following Navarro’s victory. This upset adds to a string of unexpected exits in the women’s draw, with five of the top six seeds already eliminated from the tournament. Krejcikova’s journey at Wimbledon 2025 had been marked by hard-fought victories, requiring three sets to overcome both Alexandra Eala and Caroline Dolehide in the earlier rounds. However, this time, the physical toll proved too much, her injuries preventing a similar comeback.
Navarro, the 10th seed, acknowledged the challenging nature of the match, noting that neither player performed at their best. She recognized Krejcikova’s struggles with injury while also alluding to her own unspecified challenges. Despite the circumstances, Navarro maintained her focus, recognizing the threat posed by the two-time Grand Slam champion, regardless of her physical condition. Knowing that simply keeping the ball in play might not be enough against such a skilled opponent, Navarro persevered, ultimately capitalizing on Krejcikova’s weakened state to secure the win.
Krejcikova’s 2025 season has been plagued by injuries, limiting her to only six matches before Wimbledon. Her triumph at the 2024 Wimbledon final against Jasmine Paolini marked a high point, but subsequent back problems sidelined her until May. Her return to competitive tennis saw a second-round exit at the French Open, compounded by a thigh injury forcing her withdrawal from the Eastbourne Open before the quarter-finals. Wimbledon, therefore, represented a significant milestone in her recovery, and she expressed her joy at returning to the All England Club, referring to Centre Court as the “temple of tennis.”
The match began promisingly for Krejcikova, who comfortably took the first set. However, her momentum faltered in the second, allowing Navarro to seize the opportunity and level the match. Before the deciding set, Krejcikova took an extended break, presumably to address her physical issues and regain composure. Upon her return, she squandered five break points and then lost her own serve, a clear indication of her struggles. Her visible discomfort, evident in her grimaces and reliance on her racquet for support, underscored the severity of her condition.
Krejcikova managed to break back, but Navarro quickly regained the advantage, prompting the Czech player to call for a medical timeout, which included a blood pressure check. The defending champion’s distress was palpable as she bent over repeatedly, battling through obvious pain. While she managed another break, her physical limitations were too significant to overcome. Navarro capitalized on this vulnerability, securing the decisive break and serving out the match, leaving Krejcikova to exit the court in tears, her Wimbledon reign abruptly concluded.
The defeat signifies a heartbreaking end to Krejcikova’s title defense. Her struggles throughout the match, compounded by her ongoing injury woes, prevented her from replicating the form that saw her lift the trophy the previous year. While her early exit is undoubtedly disappointing, it also highlights the resilience and determination of Emma Navarro, who, despite facing a formidable opponent, remained focused and capitalized on the opportunities presented to secure a memorable victory. The match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional tennis, where even reigning champions can succumb to the pressures of competition and the unfortunate realities of physical limitations.
