Krejcikova Acknowledges Difficulty Facing British Players on Grass

Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, navigated a challenging path to the quarter-finals of the Eastbourne WTA 250 event on Wednesday, saving match points for the second consecutive day against a British competitor.

The Czech player, aged 29, was visibly hampered by a thigh strain and appeared close to defeat against Jodie Burrage. Serving at 5-6 in the final set, she faced a 0-40 deficit but remarkably recovered to secure a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3) victory.

British fans experienced further disappointment as Emma Raducanu was defeated 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4) by Australian teenager Maya Joint in a closely contested match at Devonshire Park.

Krejcikova, the second seed and victor over Jasmine Paolini in the previous year’s Wimbledon final, seemed to be in control after winning the first set and gaining a break in the second. However, she required medical attention for a leg issue.

Burrage, currently ranked 164th globally, responded strongly, breaking Krejcikova’s serve to even the match. A notable point was awarded to Burrage when her opponent’s forehand passed through a hole in the net.

The 26-year-old Briton maintained a slight advantage in the deciding set but failed to convert any of her three match points. A crucial double fault in the tiebreak then gave Krejcikova the opportunity, which she seized to win the match.

Krejcikova, who also overcame match points against Harriet Dart on Tuesday, has now achieved consecutive singles victories for the first time in what has been an injury-affected 2025 season.

“It was another tough match,” Krejcikova commented. “British players are skilled on grass, making them difficult opponents. I am pleased to have progressed.”
“I experienced a challenging period earlier this year. I am happy to be here and regain the level I know I can achieve.”
She is now set to play against French qualifier Varvara Gracheva in the next round.

Raducanu remains a primary hope for British fans seeking their first female Wimbledon champion since 1977, though she continues to strive for consistency and improved fitness.

The 22-year-old started slowly but found her rhythm to win the first set against Joint, but then struggled.

Joint dominated the second set and established a 5-2 lead in the final set before becoming tense and allowing Raducanu to recover.

Despite failing three times to serve for the match, Joint regained her composure in the tiebreak, concluding the match with an ace to secure a significant win.

Joint’s next opponent is Anna Blinkova, who defeated Lulu Sun from New Zealand in straight sets.

In the men’s ATP event, Jakub Mensik from the Czech Republic, Ugo Humbert from France, Billy Harris from Britain, and Jenson Brooksby from the United States all secured victories.