“A mentor sees potential where others see limits”, a simple quote that might be generally ignored. But for some, it means more than anything else in their lives. WTA star Barbora Krejcikova was just a young enthusiast with dreams when she found her sole mentor Jana Novotna. Jana, a commendable athlete herself, played an influential role in the Czechian’s career, which she couldn’t forget, even after years of her departure from this world.

Barbora Krejcikova is currently looking forward to her next Grand Slam title, as she recently secured a spot in the Wimbledon finals. The Czech tennis star has shown a rapid rise, which is all inspired by her late mentor Jana Novotna. Krejcikova met her through the Czech Tennis Association when she was a young player. Novotna, who won the 1998 Wimbledon women’s singles title and was a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, became a mentor and coach to the Czechian WTA star.

She helped her move ahead from junior to senior tennis with the help of her support and advice that came from her own experience of navigating through the topline competition in the tennis world. The bond between them grew strong both on and off the courts and Krejcikova started to consider her more than a coach but a friend and role model.

Born on October 2, 1968, Jana was a renowned WTA star who won 12 major women’s doubles titles, four major mixed doubles titles, and three Olympic medals. The late tennis star saw things from the top view as she was also ranked No. 2 in singles and held the No. 1 doubles ranking for 67 weeks. However, all of this was struck by a tragedy as Novotna passed away at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer.

Although her physical existence came to an end, her mentee made sure that her name lived on. When Barbora Krejcikova won the French Open in 2021, she wholeheartedly dedicated her win to Novotna. “I know she’s looking after me. All this is pretty much because she is looking after me,” she said, overwhelmed with emotions. Krejcikova also Novotna’s last words to her, “Enjoy tennis and try and win a Grand Slam.”

These words have stayed with Krejcikova and have helped her achieve greatness in the sport. However, this wasn’t the only moment when the Czechian remembered her mentor. Whenever she stands on the door to success, it Novotna’s name she calls before giving a knock.

“She’d want me to…” Barbora Krejcikova remembers her mentor at Wimbledon

Where even top-ranked WTA stars like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff couldn’t survive, Barbora Krejcikova showcased her potential and made it to the finals. The 28-year-old recently took down former champion Elena Rybakina and all she could think about at the moment was about her mentor, because of whom all of it became possible.

“A couple years ago I was working with Jana Novotna. She won here in 1998. At that point she told me a lot of stories about her journey here and how she was trying to win Wimbledon. I was so far whenn we had this talk. Now I’m here. Wow… I’m in the finals,” Krejcikova said.

The WTA star’s eyes were all filled with tears as she remembered Jana. “I have so many beautiful memories. When I step on court here I’m just fighting for every single ball. Because I think that’s what she’d want me to do,” the Czechian added. It is time that Krejcikova looks forward to one last battle against Jasmine Paolini before laying her hands on the glorious trophy. With her mentor’s memory active in her mind, it would surely be an emotionally boosted situation for her.