Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has declared herself fit for this year's tournament despite recent concerns over a thigh injury that forced her withdrawal from last week's Eastbourne International. The Czech star, who pulled out before her scheduled quarterfinal match, has spent recent days recovering and now feels prepared to begin her title defence.
Krejcikova will open her campaign on Centre Court against rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala, who recently made history by becoming the first player from the Philippines to reach a WTA final. While acknowledging Eala's rapid rise in the sport, Krejcikova expressed confidence in her own preparation and readiness for the challenge.
The 29-year-old's path to this year's Wimbledon has been far from smooth. Since her emotional victory in last year's final, Krejcikova has endured a difficult season marked by injuries and early tournament exits. She missed the Australian Open with a back problem and suffered a second-round defeat at the French Open. Her grass-court preparations were further disrupted by a shock loss at Queen's Club before the Eastbourne withdrawal.
Despite these setbacks, the former world No. 2 remains optimistic about her chances. Reflecting on her 2023 triumph, Krejcikova described the experience as something out of a fairytale, a memory she hopes to draw upon as she begins her title defence. With her fitness concerns now apparently behind her, all eyes will be on whether the Czech star can recapture the form that brought her Wimbledon glory just twelve months ago.
The match against Eala presents an intriguing first-round challenge, pitting the experienced champion against one of the WTA Tour's most promising young talents. Eala's breakthrough run to the Eastbourne final demonstrates her growing threat on grass courts, setting the stage for a compelling opening-day encounter on Wimbledon's most famous stage.
As the tournament gets underway, Krejcikova's title defence represents one of the most compelling storylines, with the champion seeking to overcome recent struggles and prove she can still compete at the highest level. Her performance will be closely watched as she attempts to join the elite group of players who have successfully defended their Wimbledon crowns in the modern era.
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