Czech Vondrousova stuns tearful Tunisian World No. 6 Ons Jabeur to become first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon title
Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic kisses the women’s singles trophy as she celebrates her win over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on Saturday; (right) Ons Jabeur. Pics/Getty Images
Marketa Vondrousova became the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon in the Open era as the Czech swept to a shock 6-4, 6-4 victory over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in Saturday’s final. As the first unseeded woman in the Wimbledon final in 60 years, Vondrousova was a heavy underdog against sixth-ranked Jabeur.
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But the 24-year-old upset the odds on Centre Court to win her maiden Grand Slam title at the second attempt after losing to Ash Barty in the 2019 French Open final. “After everything I’ve been through—I had a cast on this time last year—and now I can’t believe I’m holding this trophy,” said Vondrousova who was sidelined with a wrist injury in 2022.
“I don’t know what’s happening now.”
Vondrousova joins Jana Novotna and Petra Kvitova as the only Czech women to win a Wimbledon title. She is just the ninth unseeded champion at a Grand Slam tournament. Vondrousova’s triumph completed a remarkable comeback after a rash of injuries stalled her promising career.
Just 12 months ago, she was an injured bystander at Wimbledon, reduced to watching her best friend Miriam Kolodziejova attempt to qualify for the main draw.
Joy amidst injury time
Vondrousova’s second wrist surgery had ruled the Olympic silver medallist out for six months, although her absence from the tour at least allowed her the space and time to get married.
She was the second-lowest ranked player to reach the Wimbledon final—only Serena Williams in 2018 was lower at 181.
So unexpected was her run that she told her husband Stepan Simek to stay at home in Prague to look after their cat Frankie until the final, when a pet sitter was found to allow her partner to make the trip to Wimbledon.
The defeat was another heartbreaking blow for World No. 6 Jabeur, who wept during an emotional post-match trophy presentation. Jabeur was the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final last year at Wimbledon, but losing to Elena Rybakina in three sets took the shine off that achievement. She endured more misery just weeks later when she lost to Iga Swiatek in the US Open final.
“It’s going to be a tough day but I am not going to give up,” she said while wiping away her tears.
Also Read: Jabeur eyes history at third Grand Slam final
Jabeur is not going to give up
“It’s the most painful loss of my caree, but we’re going to make it one day, I promise you I’m not going to give up.”
Jabeur’s bid to become the first African and Arab woman to win a Grand Slam singles title has ended in bitter failure once again. Even for a player known as the ‘Minister of Happiness’, Jabeur’s positive personality will be tested by her latest disappointment.
Recent women’s champions
. 2022: Elena Rybakina
. 2021: Ashleigh Barty
. 2020: Tournament cancelled
. 2019: Simona Halep
. 2018: Angelique Kerber
. 2017: Garbine Muguruza
. 2016: Serena Williams
. 2015: Serena Williams
. 2014: Petra Kvitova
Glitz and glamour in London
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and Billie Jean King at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on Saturday
Indian actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas (left) and her US singer husband Nick attend the women’s singles final.
Martina Navratilova (right) and wife Julia Lemigova pose for a selfie in the Royal Box at Wimbledon. Navratilova is a nine-time singles champ
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