Barbora Krejcikova’s Wimbledon title defence ended in distressing scenes as she broke down in tears and required a medical timeout during her third-round defeat by Emma Navarro.
The Czech star looked uncomfortable on Court 1 during the deciding set, calling for medical assistance while trailing.
Officials were seen taking her blood pressure and checking her vitals as concerns grew among the crowd, with Krejcikova appearing emotional and hunched over between points as she struggled to continue.
Despite bravely playing on, Krejcikova was unable to rediscover her rhythm, with Navarro sealing a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory to reach the last 16 at SW19 for the first time.
Krejcikova received a warm ovation as she left the court in tears, cutting a dejected figure after her hopes of defending the title she won last year came to an end in difficult circumstances.
The 29-year-old had lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish for the first time in 2024, adding to her 2021 French Open triumph, but was unable to build on that success this summer following the concerning medical episode.
Navarro, who will now face teenage talent Mirra Andreeva for a place in the quarter-finals, showed composure in the closing stages, breaking Krejcikova five times and winning 68 per cent of points behind her first serve.
Krejcikova’s struggles echoed similar scenes earlier in the tournament when Ons Jabeur had her blood pressure and vitals checked on court before retiring in tears from her opening match.
All of Krejcikova’s matches at Wimbledon this summer had gone to three sets.
She lost the first set against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in round one before rallying to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Krejcikova then overcame American Caroline Dolehide 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 before losing to Navarro.
Struggling with her serve, Krejcikova faced 18 break points against Navarro, although she saved 13 of them. She hit eight double faults as well as four aces.
