French Open champion Mirra Andreeva made a shock exit from Wimbledon in the 2nd round

French Open champion Mirra Andreeva’s Wimbledon campaign came to a dramatic end on Wednesday as defending champion Barbora Krejcikova staged a blistering comeback to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 at the Center Court classic. The win sent Krejčíková into the third round and ended the hopes of one of the tournament favorites just two games into the championship.

The contest lived up to its billing, pitting two Grand Slam champions against each other in one of the most striking matches of the opening week. Andreeva, fresh from winning her first major title at Roland Garros, looked in control after taking the opening set. However, Krejčíková, who built a reputation for thriving on grass, gradually struggled with agility, poise and attacking tennis.

Wimbledon 2026 Day 3 Update

ANDREEVA’S GOAL SHORT

The 19-year-old Russian refused to give up without a fight and produced one of the most spectacular escapes of the tournament. Serving to stay in the match, Andreeva was trailing 0-40 and staring at three match points. She dug deep to force a deuce before saving three more match points in an extraordinary display of nerve and resilience while holding serve.

A stunning game kept her Wimbledon dream alive and electrified Center Court, with the teenager showing the fighting spirit that helped her capture the French Open earlier this season. But the reprieve proved to be only temporary. Krejcikova remained composed, continued to press from the baseline and after two hours of enthralling tennis, she finally sealed the win, ending Andreeva’s spirited resistance.

KREJČÍKOVA CLOSES THE GAP

With the win, Krejčíková reduced her deficit against Andreeva to 2:3. The defending champion also hailed the French Open winner as a unique young talent with a bright future, saying she was delighted to have come through such a tough fight and proud to secure victory on Center Court.

“What a match. I think it 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 has a bright future ahead of her,” Krejcikova said in an on-court interview.

“It was a very difficult match, but I’m really happy that we put on a great show. We fought until the last point. I’m extremely proud to have won on this beautiful center court, the best court in the world,” Krejčíková added.

Krejčíková will face Czech youngster Nikola Bartunková 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.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

02 Jul 2026 0:34 IST