June 29, 2025 – LONDON
Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková is set to return to the All England Club with determination and confidence, despite a recent thigh injury that forced her to withdraw from Eastbourne. The Czech, sidelined for six months by a back issue, has only played six matches since early May—but says she’s ready to ‘do well again’ on grass and defend the Venus Rosewater Dish she claimed last year.
Injury Resilience and Comeback Strategy
- Thigh setback at Eastbourne: Krejčíková was forced to quit during the Eastbourne quarter-finals due to right thigh fatigue—a move she described as “necessary to rest ahead of Wimbledon” .
- Back injury layoff: Her 2025 season had a rocky start, returning only in May after a long hiatus caused by a serious back injury. Her comeback included battling through windy Eastbourne conditions to reach the quarters, saving match points in consecutive rounds.
- Full focus on Wimbledon: She took several days off post-withdrawal, sticking to off-court conditioning and gradual reintroduction to training. “I’ve been feeling every day a little bit better,” Krejčíková said optimistically.
Champion’s Mindset
Krejčíková remains composed about returning as the title-holder.
- Mental clarity: “It’s basically a new tournament…I want to come here and do well again,” she emphasized, underlining her positive outlook.
- Emotional connection: Despite the pressure of expectations, she treats Wimbledon as a fresh challenge, distancing herself from past success and embracing each match individually .
- First-round test: Krejčíková draws 20-year-old rising star Alexandra Eala, the Phil‑Elo sensation who recently stunned Iga Świątek and made the Eastbourne final. “A great matchup… to see where the new generation is,” Krejčíková remarked.
Wimbledon Aspirations & Grass-Court Form
Sidelined for much of the year, Krejčíková’s grass-season record remains mixed but promising:
- Queen’s Club stumble: She was upset in the opening round by Rebecca Šramková.
- Eastbourne resurgence: Triumphed over Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage in dramatic three-set matches, saving match points and showing her trademark fighting grit.
- Injury pause: Opted out to avoid aggravating her thigh right before Wimbledon, prioritizing long-term performance over short-term gain .
Despite limited preparation, she remains a bona fide title contender. In fact, Wimbledon is one of five standout women’s champions on grass, alongside Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Rybakina—all expected to produce a thrilling contest at SW19.
Potential Impact on Rankings
Krejčíková, currently world No. 17, faces a serious ranking threat if she can’t defend her 2000 points from her surprise 2024 victory. A deep run at Wimbledon won’t just boost her confidence—it’s essential for preserving her spot in the top 20 .
Key Takeaways
- Fitness first: By withdrawing from Eastbourne, Krejčíková demonstrated smart scheduling and risk management ahead of the Grand Slam.
- Champion’s focus: Her upbeat, present-minded approach suggests she remains relaxed and confident in her ability to contend.
- Opening test: The Eala match isn’t just another first round—it’ll showcase the veteran’s form and set the tone for her campaign.
- Ranking stakes: Defending the title carries high stakes—failure here could significantly derail her season.
What’s Next?
Look out for Krejčíková’s first-round match vs. Alexandra Eala on Tuesday, which many see as a symbolic passing-of-the-torch moment. A win would validate her recovery and mental readiness; a loss could signal lingering fitness limitations. Either way, all eyes will be sharply tuned to this high-profile clash.
