Wimbledon 2025: Defending Champion Krejcikova Falls To Navarro In Third Round

Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 22:36 IST

Barbora Krejcikova's Wimbledon title defense ended in the third round with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Emma Navarro. Krejcikova struggled with injuries.

Krejcikova after losing at Wimbledon (AFP)

Barbora Krejcikova’s reign as Wimbledon champion came to a painful conclusion on Saturday, as the Czech star fell 2–6, 6–3, 6–4 to American 10th seed Emma Navarro in the third round.

Battling visible physical discomfort in the closing stages, Krejcikova was unable to mount a comeback, breaking down in tears on Court One as Navarro sealed her place in the fourth round.

Injury Struggles Take Their Toll

Krejcikova, the 17th seed, had shown signs of vulnerability throughout the tournament. She needed three sets to overcome both Alexandra Eala in the first round and Caroline Dolehide in the second.

But against Navarro, there would be no late escape, as the American took full advantage of her hobbled nature, becoming the latest player to spring a surprise in a women’s draw already rocked by the exits of five of the top six seeds.

The 29-year-old Krejcikova entered Wimbledon with only six matches played in 2025, a year plagued by injuries. She had been sidelined until May with a persistent back issue and then suffered a second-round exit at Roland Garros. A thigh problem forced her withdrawal from Eastbourne just before the quarter-finals, raising concerns about her readiness for the grass-court major.

Her loss caps a difficult season in stark contrast to the high of 2024, when she captured her second Grand Slam singles title by defeating Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final.

Another Champion Falls

Krejcikova wasn’t the only former Wimbledon winner to exit on Saturday. Earlier in the day, 2022 champion Elena Rybakina, seeded 11th, suffered a straight-sets defeat to Denmark’s Clara Tauson. The 7–6 (8/6), 6–3 result ended Rybakina’s hopes of a second title at SW19.

The Kazakh star, a semifinalist in 2023, was considered a strong contender this year. But Tauson, the 23rd seed, held her nerve on Court Two to claim one of the biggest wins of her career.

(with AFP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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