If the semifinals left us breathless, the finals had us checking our pulse and pinching ourselves in disbelief. Wimbledon 2024 closed with a crescendo that even the most imaginative scriptwriter wouldn’t dare pen.
Barbora Krejcikova, the Czech with a penchant for doubles, squared off against Jasmine Paolini, Italy’s newfound tennis darling. The men’s final saw Carlos Alcaraz, tennis’ boy wonder, facing off against the sport’s ultimate final boss, Novak Djokovic.
We’re about to revisit a weekend that turned the tennis world on its head and left us all wondering: what glorious madness will Wimbledon serve up these next few years?
Krejcikova’s Cinderella Story Comes Full Circle
Remember when we thought Barbora Krejcikova’s semifinal comeback was the pinnacle of her Wimbledon journey? Oh, how gloriously wrong we were! In a splendid final, the No.31 seed wrote her name in the history of the tournament with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini.
The first set saw Krejcikova channel her inner grass court goddess, delivering a performance of touch, power, and slices so precise they could cut through diamond.
But just as we were ready to call it curtains, the second set burst onto the scene with all the subtlety of a lightning bolt. Paolini, as if fueled by pure Italian espresso, went from being brushed aside to brushing off her opponent’s shots with a ferocity that left the crowd gasping. Krejcikova, so serene mere moments ago, looked stunned.
The final set had cardiologists across London on high alert. Krejcikova, predicted to crumble under the weight of expectation, instead rose to the occasion. The tension was palpable as both players traded blows, neither willing to give an inch. Paolini’s infectious smile had transformed into a mask of fierce determination, while Krejcikova’s usually calm demeanour betrayed hints of nerves.
At 5-4, with the championship on her racquet, Krejcikova served her way into the history books as her final forehand found its mark.
As she lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish, Krejcikova’s face showed disbelief, joy, and perhaps a hint of “How on earth did I get here?”. It was a moment that would have made Novotna burst with pride. The Czech’s journey from doubles specialist to singles Grand Slam champion was complete, adding a second major to her 2021 Roland Garros triumph.
“It’s unreal what just happened,” Krejcikova managed to say, her voice thick with emotion. “This is definitely the best day of my career and my life. I never really dreamed I would win the same trophy Jana did in 1998.”
Paolini, ever the crowd favourite, held her head high in defeat. “I’m a little bit sad, although I try to keep smiling because today is still a good day,” she said, her charm undiminished. As the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final, her journey was no less remarkable.
From zero completed wins since January to Wimbledon champion — Krejcikova’s transformation was nothing short of magical. The Czech may have entered as the No.31 seed, but she left as the queen of Centre Court, her name forever engraved in Wimbledon lore.
Alcaraz is The New King of Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz, all of 21 years old and with a smile that could power London for a week, defeated Novak Djokovic.
The scoreline — 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) — says more than enough about how this last chapter of Wimbledon 2024 ended. Alcaraz defended his title and stamped his authority on Centre Court with the finesse and power we expected from him.
Alcaraz secured an early break against Djokovic in a grueling 14-minute opening game that tested the endurance of both players.
The young Spaniard was everywhere and everything — a defensive wall one moment, an attacking tsunami the next. He chased down Djokovic’s best shots and returned them with interest. And the crowd? They were loving it. Even Djokovic, in a moment of honesty, admitted, “He had it all today.”
As Alcaraz sealed his victory, becoming the first player to successfully defend a Wimbledon title against Djokovic.
The king is dead; long live the king, indeed. And what a king he promises to be! Four Grand Slams at 21, and he’s never lost a major final. At this rate, they might need to build a new trophy cabinet at the All England Club just for him.
As the sun set on another Wimbledon, we were left with the delicious anticipation of what’s to come. Krejcikova, the doubles specialist turned singles sensation. Alcaraz, the boy wonder with the most radiant future in front of him.
The 2024 finals were a glimpse into tennis’s bright, brilliant future. And folks, it looks mighty fine from where we’re sitting.