Wimbledon Defending Champ Breaks Down in Tears Before Shocking Exit

Wimbledon champion breaks down in tears

Barbora Krejcikova’s Wimbledon title defense ended in heartbreak Saturday as the Czech star broke down in tears during her third-round clash with Emma Navarro.

The 29-year-old Krejcikova, last year’s surprise champion, started strong by taking the first set 6-2. But soon began struggling with a possible thigh injury. As the match wore on, her movement was visibly hampered, prompting a visit from both the doctor and physio. Even Martina Navratilova, watching courtside, noted something seemed seriously off:

“They are taking her blood pressure. Something is not right for Barbora Krejcikova,” Navratilova said on BBC Two.

Emotional Collapse and Exit

In the decisive set, Krejcikova was seen crying at the back of the court, leaning against the wall for support as she tried to gather herself before serving. While she managed to hold serve, Navarro closed out the match moments later, winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

As she left Court One, tears returned as the Wimbledon crowd gave the defending champion a heartfelt send-off. Krejcikova had been dealing with injury concerns even before the tournament, which likely played a role in her performance.

Navarro: “It Was Really Tough”

Navarro, 24, admitted the match was an emotional and physical battle for both players.

“It’s not easy. Part of you is telling yourself to just get the ball back in play, but she’s an amazing player, injuries or no injuries,” she said.

Despite a shaky start, the American raised her level in the second and third sets and now moves on to face 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva for a place in the quarter-finals.

For Krejcikova, the loss marks a tough end to her run. Still, her emotional display highlighted the intensity and vulnerability that come with being a Grand Slam champion on the sport’s grandest stage.

Read More: Coco Gauff Gives 3 Reasons for Her Wimbledon Exit

Related Articles
Oct 6, 2011; San Martin, CA, USA; Tiger Woods warms up on the putting green during the first round of the Frys.com Open at CordeValle Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The 17 Most Cold-Blooded Sunday Finishers in Golf History
Whether it was draining putts or closing out tournaments, these cold-blooded finishers made Sunday feel...
Read More
Feb 5, 1999; Orlando, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks forward Latrell Sprewell (8) in action against Orlando Magic center Danny Schayes (24) at the Orlando Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images
20 NBA Stars Who Were Nightmare Teammates
From locker room drama to ball-hog tendencies, some NBA legends left a trail of exasperated teammates...
Read More
Oct 3, 2009; Buffalo, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Georges Laraque (17) and Buffalo Sabres right wing Patrick Kaleta (36) have words in the first period at HSBC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images
15 NHL Enforcers Who Were Absolutely Feared and Hated
These enforcers became legends not for finesse, but for making opponents think twice before crossing...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.