Paolini sent a statement as she started the third set with a love-hold, throwing in her third ace of the day. But Krejcikova responded with a love game of her own, setting the tone for the decider. The Italian was the first to find herself in trouble, trailing 0-30 in the seventh game. On break point, she hit her first double fault of the final to hand Krejcikova a crucial advantage.
Cheers and applause rang out through the stands as Paolini got herself on the board again and sat down at 4-5, forcing the world No. 32 to serve it out herself. It became a rollercoaster final game. Krejcikova saved a break point with a winner but Paolini earned a second and the fans were on their feet, willing her on to produce a miracle.
But Krejcikova silenced them with a 108mph serve as Paolini’s return went flying out of the court, sealing victory for the 31st seed. It means more Czech success in the women’s field at Wimbledon, as Krejcikova follows the likes of Jana Novotna, Martina Navratilova and last year’s champion Marketa Vondrousova by lifting the title.
