'I just couldn't turn down the chance to win Wimbledon'
It was something of surprise when Czechia’s Nikola Bartunkova’s name appeared on the Junior Championships, Wimbledon acceptance list given she has featured almost exclusively within the game’s professional ranks this season.
Her form has been such that the 17-year-old topped the podium at her maiden ITF World Tennis Tour event at W25 Santa Margherita di Pula in May and currently occupies a WTA ranking of No. 348 having been as high as No. 267 in November 2022.
Nevertheless, Prague-born Bartunkova has firmly thrown her hat into the Wimbledon ring and after dispatching Great Britain’s Ranah Akua Stoiber will take her place in the semi-finals.
She will now go head-to-head with junior world No. 1 Alina Korneeva, while the other semi-final will be contested by two-time Junior Grand Slam doubles champion Clervie Ngounoue of the United States and Slovakia's Renata Jamrichova.
The reason for Bartunkova’s presence at SW19 is two-fold. The teenager wants Wimbledon exposure as preparation for coming here as a pro in future – a Top-100 ranking would guarantee direct acceptance – while the idea of a Junior Grand Slam title on her career CV remains highly attractive.
“While I am looking to the future and have big ambitions, there is a part of me that would like a Junior Grand Slam title on my résumé,” Bartunkova tells itftennis.com. “I do want to win a Junior Grand Slam title; it would be a very good achievement if I win this tournament.
“For me, this tournament is also preparation for when I am here as professional – that is one of the main reasons why I am here. I really hope I will be here next year to compete in the women’s draw. I love Wimbledon, it is my favourite tournament.
“My absolute dream is to be the women’s champion here, so it is nice to go deep in the junior event and get a flavour of what it’s like. For me, this is the biggest tournament in tennis, so doing well as a junior is a first step for me.”
It was far from easy against Stoiber, who played with great certainty and poise during an opening set which she comfortably claimed, although Bartunkova came storming back to great effect, eventually triumphing 1-6 6-1 6-2.
“In the first set she played very well, she played very fast and I didn’t have quick enough reactions, while the court seemed faster than before,” said Bartunkova, who reached the semi-finals of the Roland Garros Junior Championships in 2022. “From there, I played more aggressively, more to the net and with more risk, more volleys. It was great.”
While there are further hurdles for Bartunkova to overcome before she can realise her dream of Wimbledon silverware, she would appear battle-hardened and up for the fight.
She also has previous for claiming silverware under the glare of junior spotlight having been part of the Czechia team, alongside Sara Bejlek and Brenda Fruhvirtova, which was crowned 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Juniors champions.
Perhaps the time has come to star on the global stage once more.
Click here for a full list of results from 2023 Junior Championships, Wimbledon.