Barbora Krejcikova secured her spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame: 5 WTA Wimbledon takeaways

WIMBLEDON—As is often the case, Wimbledon revealed much about the direction of contemporary professional tennis. A veteran proved herself a champion for the ages, a significant favorite was toppled in familiar fashion, surprising new contenders emerged, and a longstanding tactical premise endured.

Here are five takeaways for the WTA, post-Wimbledon:

1. Barbora Krejcikova has done her mentor proud, and will eventually join her in the Hall of Fame

Legend is the story of how, in 2014, a teenage Krejcikova sought to be mentored by 1998 Wimbledon champion and compatriot Jana Novotna. One of the finer volleyers of her time, Novotna helped Krejcikova sharpen her game—and also appreciate the meaning of Wimbledon.

Following her 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win over Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final, Krejcikova said her years with Novotna “changed my life.” (WATCH THE FULL SPEECH ABOVE)

Akin to Novotna, Krejcikova has enjoyed success in doubles, winning 10 Grand Slam doubles crows. Having now earned a second Grand Slam singles title alongside the one she won at Roland Garros three years ago, Krejcikova has surpassed her mentor.

“I think she would tell me that she is very proud about me and that she’s super happy,” said Krejcikova.

A major reason for Krejcikova’s 31^st seeding was a back injury that sidelined her for two months earlier this year. Ranked as high as No. 2 in the world back just two years ago, the 28-year-old will now return to the Top 10. Based on everything from her eclectic playing style to the recent Wimbledon run, Krejcikova should occupy a place there for the next several years.

2. And just like that, Jasmine Paolini is tennis’ new fan favorite

Prior to this January, Paolini had only won four matches at Grand Slam events. Her recent runs to two consecutive Grand Slam singles finals, strongly aided by a charismatic blend of pluck and passion, have electrified crowds and made Paolini massively popular.

“Crazy” was the word she used to describe these last two months that have seen her attain a career-high ranking of No. 5.

“Sometimes I’m a little bit scared to dream too much,” said Paolini following Saturday’s final. “I have to say that. I don’t know. I’m going back, trying to practice, to stay in the present, as I said many times. This is the goal for me, my team, to try to keep this level as much as possible.”

With more eyes watching her matches than ever, it will be fascinating to see how Paolini continues to compete this summer, during the US Open, and beyond.

3. Iga Swiatek: Dominant or Vulnerable?

Wasn’t this supposed to be the year Swiatek made a strong showing at Wimbledon? Per usual, she dominated the clay-court season, capping it with a fourth title at Roland Garros. But once again, Swiatek stumbled on the grass. As has frequently happened to her at majors not played on clay, Swiatek was overpowered, unable to stem the tide of an opponent striking freely from all corners of the court. As conqueror Yulia Putintseva dictated one rally after another in her 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 third-round win, Swiatek lacked any alternative answers.

How is it possible for someone as skilled as Swiatek to compete so poorly on this surface? She and her team must review these moments, both emotionally and tactically.

“I know what I need to change, and I’ll do that,” asserted Swiatek. “But grass season is over, so it’s not like I need to really think about this match in terms of analyzing for next week, because basically it’s going to be totally different on clay and hard court.”

In an era where surfaces and playing styles are far more homogenous than ever, that Swiatek sees grass as drastically different than anywhere else is a headscratcher.

With the upcoming Olympics played at Roland Garros on the clay she loves so much, Swiatek will feel quite comfortable soon enough. But it’s uncertain what’s to come for her at the US Open. Surely, this likeable and hardworking champion has what it takes to win more majors on other surfaces. Or was Swiatek’s win at Flushing Meadows two years ago a one-off?

4. College Tennis: More than an outlier?

Two Wimbledon quarterfinalists, Emma Navarro and Lulu Sun, played college tennis, Navarro at the University of Virginia, Sun at the University of Texas. Throughout The Championships, each conducted herself with exceptional poise. Might the time they spent on college campuses have contributed to that level of maturity? As a tennis player, the chance to join forces with others can greatly mitigate the psychological challenges that accompany an individual sport.

But perhaps even more, life as a student is a tremendous counter to the narrow focus tennis often demands. All through their youth, fast-track tennis players are made to feel they are the center of the universe. But to live in a dorm, sit in a lecture hall, or work on a paper lets them know that they are just one of many youngsters, each on his or her own life path, be it as aspiring lawyer, doctor, teacher, athlete. Surely there’s long-term emotional and intellectual value in gaining such perspective.

5. Power remains essential

Variety is pleasing. Who doesn’t like a drop shot winner? But when it comes to capturing major titles, the telling factor in tennis is and always has been this simple: the ability to generate frequent power and apply constant pressure.

From Helen Wills in the 1920s, to Maureen Connolly and Althea Gibson in the ‘50s, Margaret Court and Billie Jean King in the ‘60s and ‘70s, on to Chrissie Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Stefanie Graf, Monica Seles, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Davenport, Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka and Swiatek, multi-Slam champions are the ones who dictate the terms of engagement. And that means the ability to hit the ball as consistently hard as possible with that specific era’s mixture of technique, tactics and equipment. Don’t let YouTube clips lead you to think there was ever a golden era of finesse.

Krejcikova is certainly versatile and can strike her share of speeds and spins. That said, throughout her Wimbledon run, her ability to hit big was what proved decisive.