WATCH: Barbora Krejcikova pays emotional tribute to Jana Novotna after she stuns Wimbledon favourite
Barbora Krejcikova paid tribute Wimbledon legend Jana Novotna, her former mentor, in an emotional interview after stunning title favourite Elena Rybakina to reach the final at the All England Club.
The 2021 French Open winner defeated world No 4 Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the last four on Centre Court to reach her first Wimbledon singles final.
Krejcikova, who is a two-time Wimbledon doubles champion, staged an impressive comeback against Rybakina after losing five of the first six games of the match.
The world No 32 had won her two previous matches against Rybakina, who secured the Wimbledon title in 2022 and was the firm favourite to triumph again this year from the quarter-final stage onwards.
Krejcikova was coached by 1998 Wimbledon champion and former world No 2 Novotna, before her Czech compatriot tragically passed away at the age of 47 in 2017 after battling cancer.
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In her on-court interview, Krejcikova admitted she never dreamed of reaching the Wimbledon singles final and shared her memories of Novotna.
“No. No never. A couple years, ago I was working with Jana Novotna. She won here in 1998,” the 28-year-old
“At that point, she told me a lot of stories about her journey here and how she was trying to win Wimbledon. I was so far [away] when we had this talk. Now I’m here. Wow, I’m in the finals.
“Definitely [she is my inspiration]. I remember thinking about her a lot. I have so many beautiful memories. When I step on court here I’m just fighting for every single ball. Because I think that’s what she’d want me to do. I just miss her very much, I miss her so much.”
Barbora Krejcikova shares some moving words for her inspiration, 1998 champion Jana Novotna ❤️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/1AeeRDn5YH
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2024
Krejcikova added: “It’s unbelievable. It’s tough to explain what I’m feeling. A lot of joy and emotions. A lot of relief. I’m just super proud. I’m so proud about my game and my fighting spirit today.”
The former world No 2 will face seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final on Saturday as she looks to claim her second Major singles title.
Krejcikova has climbed 18 places to 14th in the live WTA Rankings with the points earned for her run to the final, and could return to the top 10 if she wins the title.
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