Barbora Krejcikova's attempt to defend her Wimbledon title came to a heart-wrenching conclusion in the third round against American 10th seed Emma Navarro. The Czech player, who had entered the tournament with concerns over a recent injury, initially seemed in control but eventually succumbed to fatigue in a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat.

Krejcikova, visibly distressed, speculated that her sudden loss of energy might have been due to her dietary choices. "First of all, I thought that it was the food, that I ate too early," she explained. Despite consuming bananas and other quick-energy foods, her condition worsened as the match progressed.

The match saw Krejcikova bending over behind the baseline and requiring medical attention to check her blood pressure during the third set. The emotional toll was evident as she leaned against the court's back screen, crying, just one game from defeat.

This season has been challenging for Krejcikova, who has only played six matches due to injuries, including a thigh injury that forced her to withdraw from the Eastbourne quarter-finals last month. Her physical struggles were compounded by the lengthy matches she endured in the earlier rounds at Wimbledon, totaling nearly double the court time of her opponent.

Despite a strong start, utilizing her varied shot selection to dominate the first set, Krejcikova's performance faltered in the second set. A series of double faults and a poorly executed forehand allowed Navarro to regain control, leading to a decisive third set.

Krejcikova's emotional and physical exhaustion was palpable as she missed several break points and eventually lost her serve, culminating in a tearful exit from the tournament. Reflecting on her performance, she acknowledged, "Emma was just fitter than me, was having more energy, controlling the match at the end."

This match not only highlighted the physical demands of professional tennis but also the psychological resilience required to compete at the highest levels. As Krejcikova exits the tournament, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless challenges faced by athletes in the pursuit of greatness.