She became only the third Ukrainian to win a Grand Slam title. Before her, only sisters Alona and Kateryna Bondarenkova, who triumphed in doubles at the Australian Open in 2008, did it.
Even immediately after her life’s triumph, Kičenová did not forget the suffering of her country and compatriots, who have been terrorized and destroyed by the Russian occupiers for almost a year and a half.
“I have a message. I try to encourage people in Ukraine with my performance. They are fighting for their freedom. I hope it will help them at least a little,” said the tennis player into the microphone after the victory, visibly fighting not to be overcome by strong emotions.
The fans on the central court of the world’s most famous tennis complex supported the words of the tennis champion with a standing ovation, with which they also expressed support for a suffering nation facing criminal aggression.
Kičenová helped Pavič to his sixth Grand Slam title. The 30-year-old Croatian, who was also supported in the audience by football representative Ivan Perišič, celebrated titles in doubles and mixed doubles at all the big four tournaments. He already dominated the men’s doubles at Wimbledon in 2021.
“Lyudmyla and I played together for the first time at Wimbledon in 2017, but we only got together again this year thanks to our physiotherapist. It’s always a special story at Wimbledon. I thoroughly enjoyed these two weeks,” Pavič rejoiced.
