Defending Wimbledon Women’s Singles champion Barbora Krejcikova made a tearful exit on Saturday after a shock third-round defeat to American Emma Navarro, while men’s World No. 1 Jannik Sinner breezed past Spain’s Pedro Martinez to book his place in the fourth round.
Krejcikova, who looked physically compromised throughout the match, broke down in tears during the closing stages of her 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 loss on Court One. The Czech star appeared to be battling injury as 10th-seeded Navarro capitalised, securing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets in a women’s draw already rocked by the early exits of five of the top six seeds.
Injuries Halt Krejcikova’s Title Defence
The 17th seed had endured a difficult path in the opening rounds, coming from a set down to beat Alexandra Eala and surviving another three-set test against Caroline Dolehide. But her physical struggles, including a lingering back injury and recent thigh issue, finally caught up with her.
Since her title-winning triumph over Jasmine Paolini in last year’s final, Krejcikova has played just six matches in 2024 due to injuries. She missed the early part of the season, exited in the second round of the French Open, and withdrew from the Eastbourne Open last month.
“It was really tough out here today. Probably neither of us played our best tennis. I know she was dealing with some injuries at times,” Navarro said after the match.
Sinner Cruises as Alcaraz Wobbles
In sharp contrast, Jannik Sinner delivered a flawless performance on Centre Court, dismantling Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in under two hours. The Italian top seed, who dropped just 17 games across his first three matches, next faces Grigor Dimitrov, a straight-sets winner over Sebastian Ofner —6-3, 6-4, 7-6, his 100 Grand Slam match wins.
Sinner, 23, is enjoying a strong season, despite returning from a brief doping suspension in May. He lost the Italian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz and fell agonisingly short in the French Open final, missing three championship points.
“Every time you reach the second week of a Grand Slam it’s a very special occasion,” Sinner said.
While Sinner powers forward with supreme efficiency, Alcaraz’s form has been less convincing, raising questions as the second week approaches.
As the second week begins at SW19, Krejcikova’s emotional exit marks the end of her title defence, while Sinner’s dominance signals a growing threat to the crown. The stage is set for a dramatic finish.