Jessica Pegula reaches Wimbledon quarter-finals as champion Krejcikova exits
American fourth seed Jessica Pegula has reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals with a comeback victory over Iva Jovic on Sunday, while defending champion Barbora Krejcikova was eliminated by Karolina Muchova.
The 30-year-old overcame her teenage compatriot 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to secure her second career appearance in the last eight at the All England Club.
Jovic, who was the final remaining teenager in either the men’s or women’s singles draws, initially unsettled her more experienced opponent during a chaotic opening set.
However, the fourth seed recovered brilliantly to take control of a match that featured a remarkable 13 breaks of serve.
New champion guaranteed at SW19
Elsewhere on Sunday, Krejcikova’s 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 defeat to her fellow Czech player on Court Two ensured the tournament will crown a brand new women’s champion.
The 2024 victor was the only former winner remaining in the draw following the earlier exits of high-profile names including Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Serena Williams.
This result guarantees a tenth different women’s champion in the past ten editions of the prestigious grass-court grand slam.
Historical parity continues
This unprecedented streak of different winners is already the longest run of its kind in the tournament’s rich history.
No female player has managed to secure multiple Wimbledon titles since Williams claimed her seventh singles trophy in 2016.
Muchova now advances to face the winner of the blockbuster Centre Court clash between world number one Aryna Sabalenka and four-time major winner Naomi Osaka.
Meanwhile, Pegula’s impressive streak against her fellow Americans continues, having won 34 of her last 37 matches against compatriots since October 2023.
She will next face either Swiss star Belinda Bencic or reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff for a place in the semi-finals.