By Chris Oddo | Sunday July 15, 2018
Wimbledon, England—Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova become the first women’s doubles team to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back since 2003 on Saturday at Wimbledon, defeating Kveta Peschke and Nicole Melichar, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
The Czech duo also won this title together as juniors in 2013, a year that saw them take the final three Girls’ Doubles titles of the Grand Slam season.
The victory was extra special for Krejcikova, who was formerly coached by 1998 Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna, and is still mourning the passing of Novotna due to ovarian cancer last November.
Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times published a story this week that highlights Novotna’s dedication to the success of Krejcikova. As an 18-year-old Krejcikova visited Novotna’s home on a whim, seeking advice, and was rewarded for it. Novotna would go on to travel with Krejcikova as her full-time coach as she toiled on the ITF circuit.
After Krejcikova claimed the title on Saturday she blew a kiss to the heavens, meant for Novotna.
“It was for Jana,” she told reporters after the final. “I would like to dedicate it to her again. I think it's really good that [her 1998 Wimbledon singles title] was mentioned here, that she won the title here 20 years ago. It was her biggest title. She really wanted to win it, as I know from the stories she told me.
“All those emotions she was going through, like, during her career to win the Grand Slam. I mean, right here, right now, like 20 years after her winning Grand Slam. Only doubles, but still it's perfect.
“I'm really happy that I met her, that she won the title back in 1998. Yeah, I'm really, really proud. I think she would be really proud, too.”
Third-seeded Krejcikova and Siniakova had to win four three-setters and twice came back from a set down to take the title.
“Every match is really tough,” Siniakova said. “In the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't expected this. Now I'm here, and we have two titles. It feel just amazing.”