Barbora Krejčíková’s resilience has been on full display at the Eastbourne International, where the Czech star saved match points for the second day in a row to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the WTA 250 tournament. Her performances not only speak to her elite fighting spirit but also serve as a crucial confidence boost as Wimbledon approaches—where she will be eager to defend the title she captured in 2024.
Dramatic showdown ends with clutch comeback
In her third-round clash on Wednesday, 29‑year‑old Krejčíková faced off against Britain’s Jodie Burrage at Devonshire Park. Leading a set up, Krejčíková wrestled with a persistent thigh strain, which required medical treatment mid-match. Burrage, ranked No. 164, capitalised on the opportunity—breaking serve and even being awarded a point when a forehand from Krejčíková landed through a hole in the net—a rare and dramatic occurrence that briefly swung momentum.
Trailing 0‑40 at 5‑6 in the decisive third set, Krejčíková found herself staring down three match points. Displaying remarkable composure, she held serve, forced a tiebreak, and eventually broke Burrage’s nerve with a costly double fault that handed the tiebreak to the Czech player. The final score read 6‑4, 4‑6, 7‑6(3).
This comeback followed a similar rescue act on Tuesday, when Krejčíková battled past Brit Harriet Dart, saving two match points to prevail 6‑3, 6‑7(4), 7‑5 under windy conditions. These back-to-back victories mark her first consecutive singles wins of the 2025 season—a period marred by injury and inconsistency.
Straight talk from Krejčíková
Post-match, Krejčíková admitted the mental challenge was significant:
“It was another tough match. Brits know how to play on grass and it’s hard to play against them, but I’m happy I’m through,” she remarked.
She also reflected on her early-season struggles: “I was going through a difficult moment at the beginning of this year but I’m happy I’m here and can keep finding the level that I know I can reach”.
This mindset suggests that Krejčíková has regained form and mental fortitude—two essential components heading into Wimbledon.
Why these wins matter
1. Breakthrough in 2025 singles form
Through May and early June, Krejčíková was sidelined by a back injury, forcing her to miss the Australian Open and sit out the Queen’s Club Championships. Eastbourne offered a chance to revive her grass-court game—and she seized it, chalking up her first two singles victories of the season.
2. Grass-court momentum ahead of Wimbledon
Having won Wimbledon in July 2024, Krejčíková has proven her adaptability on grass. Her dramatic escapes in Eastbourne interim matches reaffirm her elite-level resilience, just days before the main draw at SW19 begins. It’s not just the tactical wins—it’s the statement of mental toughness that matters.
3. Rising physical comeback
Battling through a thigh strain and saving match points under pressure, Krejčíková demonstrated superior physical conditioning and self-belief. Such endurance at this late stage of her comeback suggests she’s peaking at the right moment.
The road ahead in Eastbourne and beyond
- Quarter-final showdown: With her quarter-final berth secured, Krejčíková could face another stiff test. Whether she maintains this high-wire form or falls short could define the narrative heading into Wimbledon.
- Strategic serve and groundstroke work: Expect tweaks in her serve and aggression on return to minimize reliance on physical resilience alone.
- Wimbledon defense: If the Eastbourne momentum carries over, Krejčíková may not only defend her title but also underline her place among the top contenders on grass.
Context within the WTA grass season
- Across the tour, several high-profile figures are priming for Wimbledon. From Iga Świątek’s 300th career win at Bad Homburg to celebrity comebacks like Emma Raducanu’s emotional win the same week, runners are in position to surprise. Krejčíková’s gritty form puts her right in contention.
- Notably, the Eastbourne tournament has seen home hopefuls like Dart and Burrage push top seeds to the brink—emphasizing how unpredictable grass-court outcomes remain.
Final thoughts
Barbora Krejčíková’s escape artistry at Eastbourne sends a clear message: she’s back to her best, and her star is rising at the perfect time. These back-to-back survival victories do more than just advance her in a minor tournament—they broadcast her readiness for the biggest stage in tennis.
As she prepares for Wimbledon, keep an eye on:
- Her physical durability: Can she sustain this intensity through multiple grueling matches?
- Mental fortitude under pressure: Especially in tiebreaks and tight sets.
- Grass-court execution: Will serves hold and returns threaten on SW19?
