Witness the stunning upset as Krejcikova takes down Rybakina in an intense semi-final showdown. Visit our website for in-depth coverage and analysis.
A Tale of Two Impossibilities
In the world of sports, there are two kinds of impossible tasks. The first is the truly impossible, where victory is out of reach no matter the effort. The second, however, is the seemingly impossible task that, through sheer will and determination, becomes possible. This was the latter, exemplified by Barbora Krejcikova in her Wimbledon semi-final against 2022 champion Elena Rybakina. The No. 31 seed, against all odds, transformed an improbable feat into a stunning victory.
Pre-Match Context and Stakes
Three long years have passed since Krejcikova’s 2021 Roland-Garros victory, a win that propelled her to the world No. 2 ranking. Entering this grass court season, she hadn’t completed a single match win since January. In stark contrast, Rybakina had accumulated an impressive seven Tour semi-finals, five finals, and three titles in the same period.

The Heavy Favorite: Elena Rybakina
Rybakina’s dominance at Wimbledon was undeniable. She had lost just one set throughout the tournament, conceding more than five games only once, in a second-round match against world No. 72 Laura Siegemund. Krejcikova, as the underdog, faced an uphill battle, having never defeated a top-five player in a Grand Slam. When she trailed 0-4 after just 19 minutes, the match seemed to be following the expected script.
See also: Elena Rybakina’s Unstoppable March to the Wimbledon 2024 Semi
The Turning Point: A Battle for Respectability
Despite a dismal start, Krejcikova managed to regain some ground in the first set, eventually losing it 3-6. This minor recovery was a sign of her resilience. In the second set, she edged her way into a decisive third, before clinching an extraordinary victory: 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

A Surprise Finalist
In an unexpected twist, Krejcikova will face No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini in the final on Saturday. “I never dreamed I would be playing in the singles final here,” said Krejcikova, reflecting on her achievement. “I’m just super proud of my fighting spirit today. I started to be in the zone and I didn’t want to leave it.”
Inspiration from Jana Novotna
Krejcikova credited her late coach, 1998 Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna, as a significant source of inspiration. “She told me a lot of stories about her journey here and how she tried to win. She is my inspiration. I fight for every single ball because I think that’s what she’d want me to do.” Overcome with emotion, Krejcikova added, “I just miss her so much.”

A Ten-Time Grand Slam Doubles Winner
A ten-time Grand Slam doubles champion, including two Wimbledon titles in 2018 and 2022, Krejcikova is no stranger to success. However, she knew that a third doubles title this year was out of reach after her quarter-final loss on Wednesday. The energy spent in that match seemed to weigh on her initially, with each point feeling like a small victory.

Early Dominance by Rybakina
Rybakina, the No. 4 seed, began the match in typical fashion, dominating with her powerful serve and quickly amassing a 4-0 lead. Krejcikova had early break points but failed to convert them, yet the mere presence of these opportunities hinted at the battle ahead.
A Set of Breaks and Holds
The Kazakh’s early lead was soon interrupted by four successive breaks of serve. Krejcikova managed just one hold, and it was the first time she had lost the opening set in this tournament, a notable shift given her previous best Wimbledon result was reaching the fourth round three years ago.

A Season of Firsts
Reaching this semi-final marked the first time Krejcikova had compiled five consecutive wins on grass. Her path included defeating higher-ranked players like Danielle Collins and Jelena Ostapenko. Facing Rybakina was her first encounter with a top-10 opponent since losing to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open in January.
The Struggle and the Turnaround
Rybakina’s performance, however, was not up to her usual standards. In the second set, her third double fault allowed Krejcikova to break serve. While Krejcikova also struggled with double faults, delivering three during set points, she managed to push the match into a deciding third set.
Head-to-Head Advantage
Few had noted that Krejcikova led their career matches 2-0, though both were close encounters. This head-to-head record seemed to bolster her confidence as she gradually took control of the match, increasing her aggression in the final set. Serving for the match, she seized her first opportunity, securing a win that would have made Jana Novotna proud.

Looking Ahead to the Final
As Krejcikova prepares for her unexpected final against Jasmine Paolini, the tennis world watches in anticipation. Her journey through Wimbledon has been nothing short of miraculous, a testament to her resilience and fighting spirit. The final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a tournament filled with surprises and upsets.
Conclusion
Barbora Krejcikova’s journey to the Wimbledon final is a story of defying the odds and transforming an impossible task into a triumphant reality. Her victory over Elena Rybakina is a testament to her skill, determination, and the inspiration she draws from her late coach, Jana Novotna. As she steps onto the court for the final, Krejcikova carries with her the hopes of achieving what once seemed impossible.