At 5-all on Collins’ serve, Krejcikova extracted several errors, won the game on her fourth break point and subsequently served out the set at 30. Then, with Krejcikova serving at 2-1 in the second set, Collins tweaked the back of her left leg.
“I wasn’t thinking critically about every step that I was taking,” said Collins. “It’s amazing how I think on the grass, how much the movement is in your mind and you think about every little step that you take. I feel like I stopped thinking about that for one second, and I ended up hurting my leg. So that was pretty frustrating, really disappointing.”
Even more poignantly, this evening’s match concluded Collins’ Wimbledon career. Given how well Collins has played in 2024, it was fitting that her round of 16 run at the All England Club marked her best Wimbledon effort. “This is one of my favorite tournaments,” said Collins. “I just think the historical preservation, what they do here is so, so special. It’s one of the most special events in sports history. I always love coming here. I feel the warmth from the people who put so much effort behind this event really make it what it is. It is just one of the coolest experiences you can get to have as an athlete, being able to come and compete here.”
Krejcikova next faces red-hot Jelena Ostapenko. The two have played another seven times. Ostapenko has won five, including the most recent in a straight-set victory a year ago when she lifted the grass-court trophy at Birmingham. “I kind of grew up with Jelena,” said Krejcikova. “She is a tough opponent. She’s playing good tennis. I expect it’s going to be a very, very difficult match.” This one too figures to be yet another striking style contrast.
