Defending champion Krejcikova relishing return to Wimbledon
The Czech only returned to the Tour in May after more than five months out due to a back injury
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Barbora Krejcikova couldn’t keep the smile off her face on Sunday as she explained how it felt to be returning to Wimbledon as the defending champion.
Twelve months ago, the Czech stormed to the title in unlikely fashion, ending the year ranked inside the top 10 before a back injury derailed her at the start of 2025.
Krejcikova didn’t return until May and there were concerns for her fitness when she pulled out before her third-round match in Eastbourne due to a thigh injury, having saved match points in each of her two wins.
But on Sunday, she said she felt ready to start the defence of her title on Tuesday, against Alejandro Eala, the Philippines player who qualified for and went all the way to the final in Eastbourne.
“I had to have couple days off where I didn’t really play any tennis, but I did some off-court stuff,” Krejcikova said. “I’ve been feeling every day a little bit better, so I’m really happy with that. I hope by Tuesday everything’s going to be fine. Yeah, I hope I’m going to have a nice match and a great tournament.”
“I want to come here and do well again”
Krejcikova played down suggestions that she was returning a little under-done.
“It’s definitely not difficult (to be back in this way),” she said. “It’s actually very, very nice to be here and very nice to play, even after all the time I was out. I’m enjoying it. I’m happy to be here. I find it tough, complicated, but I don’t find it difficult. I’m looking forward very much to play on Tuesday.
“To me the preparation is the same. It’s basically a new tournament, even though I won it last year and I’m having great memories for this one. I want to come here and I want to do well again. So basically the preparation is the same.
“I’ve been working really hard to come back and to be here and to enjoy this position. I’m looking forward that soon it’s going to come, and I’m going to live through it.”
