Wimbledon Champion Barbora Krejcikova Questions Voting Process After Missing Out on Czech Athlete of the Year Award

Barbora Krejcikova, one of tennis’s brightest stars, has raised concerns about the Czech Athlete of the Year voting process after being overlooked for the top honor despite her remarkable achievements in 2024.

The 28-year-old secured her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, a feat achieved by only a select few in the sport. However, the coveted national award went to Josef Dostal, a canoe sprinter who claimed gold in the K-1 1000m event at the Paris Olympics and the world championship title in the K1 500m category.

Krejcikova’s Stellar 2024 Season

Krejcikova’s victory at Wimbledon marked a high point in her career. She defeated Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling three-set final, solidifying her status as one of the elite players in women’s tennis. Despite injuries limiting her appearances, she finished the year ranked No. 10 in the WTA rankings, thanks to consistent performances, including a semifinal run at the prestigious WTA Finals.

This triumph followed her maiden Grand Slam win at the French Open in 2021, showcasing her resilience and adaptability across surfaces. Yet, despite her Wimbledon title being one of the sport’s most coveted achievements, Krejcikova fell short in the voting for the Athlete of the Year award.

Czech Athlete of the Year Voting Results

The award was determined by over 230 journalists, who placed Dostal ahead of Krejcikova and sprint canoeist Martin Fuksa, who finished third. While acknowledging Dostal’s impressive Olympic and World Championship victories, Krejcikova expressed mixed feelings about the outcome.

“I want to congratulate Josef Dostal on winning the Athlete of the Year award, as well as the other athletes who were recognized,” Krejcikova wrote on Instagram. “Czech sports are fortunate to have so many exceptional personalities who bring us joy with their performances.”

However, she did not shy away from voicing her confusion over the voting process.

Krejcikova’s Concerns About the Voting Criteria

Krejcikova questioned the apparent inconsistency in how accomplishments are weighted in the voting process.

“I must admit that the results leave me with mixed emotions,” she stated. “If Olympic medals are the primary criteria, why didn’t our other Olympic gold medalists make the top three? And why, a few years ago, was Wimbledon considered more significant than an Olympic gold medal, but not now?”

Her comments referenced the 2023 winner, Marketa Vondrousova, who claimed the award after her Wimbledon triumph. Krejcikova contrasted this with her own experience in 2021 when she won the French Open, Olympic gold in doubles alongside Katerina Siniakova, and the WTA Finals, yet still missed out on the top honor.

“I had similar feelings in 2021,” Krejcikova added. “Despite winning a Grand Slam, an Olympic gold medal, and other prestigious titles, it still wasn’t enough to secure the award. It makes me wonder: What does an athlete need to achieve to be deemed worthy of this recognition?”

Broader Implications for Czech Sports

Krejcikova’s statements highlight a broader discussion about how athletic achievements are evaluated in the Czech Republic. The discrepancy between her accolades and her standing in the voting process has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

While Josef Dostal’s accomplishments are undeniably remarkable, Krejcikova’s triumph on the global stage in one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments cannot be overlooked. Her comments underscore the need for transparency and clarity in how sports achievements are ranked and valued.

Looking Ahead

As Krejcikova prepares for the 2025 season, her focus remains on building upon her success and inspiring the next generation of Czech athletes. Her Wimbledon victory cements her legacy as one of the nation’s greatest tennis players, and her calls for fair recognition serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring excellence across all sports.

Whether or not changes are made to the voting process, Krejcikova’s voice has brought attention to an issue that resonates with many in the sports world. For now, she remains a proud ambassador of Czech sports, determined to let her racket do the talking in the seasons to come.