Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
French Open champion Mirra Andreeva’s Wimbledon campaign came to a dramatic end on Wednesday as defending champion Barbora Krejcikova produced a stirring comeback to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in a Centre Court classic. The victory sent Krejcikova into the third round while ending the hopes of one of the tournament favourites just two matches into the Championships.
The contest lived up to its billing, pitting two Grand Slam champions against each other in one of the standout matches of the opening week. Andreeva, fresh from capturing her maiden major title at Roland Garros, looked in control after taking the opening set. However, Krejcikova, who has built a reputation for thriving on grass, gradually wrestled back the momentum with her variety, composure and attacking tennis.
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ANDREEVA’S FIGHTBACK FALLS SHORT
The 19-year-old Russian refused to surrender without a fight and produced one of the most remarkable escapes of the tournament. Serving to stay in the match, Andreeva found herself trailing 0-40 and staring at three match points. She dug deep to force deuce before saving three more match points in an extraordinary display of nerve and resilience to hold serve.
The breathtaking game kept her Wimbledon dream alive and electrified Centre Court, with the teenager showing the fighting spirit that helped her conquer the French Open earlier this season. But the reprieve proved only temporary. Krejcikova stayed composed, continued to apply pressure from the baseline and finally sealed victory after two hours of gripping tennis, bringing an end to Andreeva’s spirited resistance.
KREJCIKOVA CLOSES THE GAP
With the win, Krejcikova reduced her head-to-head deficit against Andreeva to 2-3. The defending champion also praised the French Open winner as a unique young talent with a bright future, saying she was delighted to come through such a hard-fought battle and proud to secure the victory on Centre Court.
“What a match. I think this was the fifth time I’ve played Mirra, and it’s always been a huge battle. She’s such a young and unique player, and she has a bright future ahead of her,” Krejcikova said in the on-court interview.
“It was a very difficult match, but I’m really happy we were able to put on a great show. We kept fighting until the very last point. I’m extremely proud to have won on this beautiful Centre Court, the best court in the world,” Krejcikova added.
Krejcikova will next face fellow Czech youngster Nikola Bartunkova in the third round after the teenager continued her impressive run at the All England Club. It will be the first meeting between the two compatriots on the WTA Tour.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
