Krejcikova s Wimbledon defense ends in tears: I just lost all my energy

The Wimbledon women's singles draw witnessed a dramatic upset as defending champion Barbora Krejcikova was knocked out in the third round by American 10th seed Emma Navarro. The match ended in a tearful 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat for Krejcikova, who revealed a sudden and debilitating loss of energy that ultimately derailed her title defense.

Krejcikova, who entered the tournament following an injury scare and with limited match play this season, appeared to be in control during the dominant first set. She showcased her trademark shot variety, moving Navarro around the court with ease. She even secured an early break in the second set, seemingly poised to close out the match.

However, the tide swiftly turned. A "loose service game" from Krejcikova, marked by two double faults and an overcooked forehand, allowed Navarro to regain a foothold. As the match progressed into a decisive third set, Krejcikova's physical struggles became increasingly apparent. She bent over repeatedly at the baseline and required a trainer to take her blood pressure mid-set.

"All I can say is that in the first half of the match I was definitely enjoying myself on the court and I was feeling quite well," Krejcikova explained after the match. "But then suddenly out of nowhere I just lost all my energy and I couldn't really gain it back."

The 29-year-old's distress peaked when she was one game from defeat, leaning against the court's back screen and visibly crying. Despite a valiant effort to hold serve and stay in the match, the end came in the very next game when she netted a shot.

Navarro, 24, now advances to face 18-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva, the seventh seed, in the fourth round. Meanwhile, the former world No. 2 Krejcikova, who had only played six matches this injury-plagued season and withdrew from her Eastbourne quarter-final last month with a thigh injury, is set to drop outside the top 70 in the world rankings, capping a challenging period for the accomplished Czech.