Tennis star in tears as medical examination ensues amid physical troubles during third-round loss at Wimbledon
Barbora Krejcikova, the defending Wimbledon champion, suffered a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Emma Navarro on Court 1, marking the end of her title defense this summer. The match was filled with distressing scenes, as Krejcikova required medical attention during the deciding set.
Krejcikova's performance at this year's tournament has been marred by a lingering back injury, which has been causing her visible discomfort and difficulties maintaining her form on court. This injury flare-up was significant enough that medical staff took her blood pressure during the match, and she appeared frequently bent over and distressed before eventually breaking down in tears after her loss.
The Czech player's struggles in the match echoed similar scenes earlier in the tournament when Ons Jabeur had her blood pressure and vitals checked on court before retiring. It's worth noting that all of Krejcikova's matches at Wimbledon this summer went to three sets.
Despite the back injury, Krejcikova put up a fight. She faced 18 break points against Navarro, saving 13 of them. However, Navarro's strong first serve proved to be a deciding factor, as she won 68% of points behind it during the match.
Navarro's victory marks her first time reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon. She will now face Mirra Andreeva for a place in the quarter-finals.
Krejcikova's first Wimbledon appearance this summer came after her 2021 French Open triumph. This summer's tournament was her first Wimbledon appearance since her 2024 victory. Despite the early exit, Krejcikova's back injury has not diminished her status as one of the top players in the sport.
As she left the court in tears, Krejcikova's emotional display highlighted the physical and mental toll that competitive tennis can take. Fans and pundits alike will be hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to form for the defending champion.
[1] Krejcikova's blood pressure was taken during the medical timeout. [2] Officials checked Krejcikova's vitals during the medical timeout. [3] Krejcikova left the court in tears after the match. [4] Krejcikova's struggles in the match echoed similar scenes earlier in the tournament when Ons Jabeur had her blood pressure and vitals checked on court before retiring.
In the match, officials checked Krejcikova's blood pressure and vitals during the medical timeout, mirroring similar scenes earlier in the tournament when Ons Jabeur had her vitals checked before retiring. After her loss, a visibly distressed Krejcikova left the court in tears, highlighting the mental and physical toll that competitive tennis can take on its players.
