The grass courts of Wimbledon always promise drama, and this year is no different. We’re only in the first week, but one thing is already clear: a new queen will be crowned in the women’s singles. This news broke after Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning champion from 2024, made an unexpected exit.
Krejcikova, ranked 16th in the WTA, fell in the third round on Saturday. Her opponent was the 24-year-old American Emma Navarro, ranked 10th. It was a tough battle that lasted two hours and thirty-six minutes. Krejcikova, 29, fought hard but ultimately lost in three sets. The scores were 2-6, 6-3, and 6-4.
This defeat means Krejcikova won’t defend her title. Last year, she captured the Wimbledon trophy after a thrilling final. She beat Italy’s Jasmine Paolini with a score of 6-2, 2-6, and 6-4. Besides her Wimbledon triumph, Krejcikova also boasts a French Open title from 2021.
The women’s singles at Wimbledon has become a truly open field. It’s incredibly rare for a champion to win back-to-back titles here. In fact, you have to look all the way back to 2016 for the last time it happened. That year, the legendary Serena Williams successfully defended her crown. Serena’s record at the All England Club is phenomenal, with seven singles titles earned in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016.
Since Serena’s last win, the women’s tournament has seen a different champion lift the trophy every single year. This current edition, the 138th, will continue that incredible streak. Krejcikova’s loss means we are now guaranteed an eighth different women’s champion in eight seasons. This truly shows the depth of talent and fierce competition in women’s tennis today.