Linda Noskova claimed her maiden Grand Slam title on Saturday after recovering from a dramatic second-set collapse to defeat fellow Czech Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in the Wimbledon women’s singles final.
The 21-year-old became the latest Czech woman to triumph at the All England Club, following Marketa Vondrousova’s victory in 2023 and Barbora Krejcikova’s title run in 2024. The victory also made Noskova the youngest Wimbledon women’s champion since Petra Kvitova won the tournament at the age of 21 in 2011.
“It’s never easy to get the last point,” Noskova said after sealing victory on her sixth championship point. “Karo, you really made me work for it.”
Noskova looked to be cruising towards the title after taking the opening set comfortably and moving 5-2 ahead in the second. However, she squandered five championship points as Muchova mounted a remarkable comeback, winning five consecutive games to force a deciding set.
The young Czech regained her composure in the third set before eventually sealing the biggest victory of her career with a service winner. After the final point, Noskova covered her face before lying on the grass in celebration.
The victory continues Czech dominance in women’s tennis at Wimbledon, with Noskova becoming the third Czech champion in the last four editions of the tournament.
Addressing Muchova during the trophy presentation, Noskova reflected on their friendship and shared history.
“I am so glad that I could play my first Grand Slam final with you.” “We made history today. I believe that all our Czech fans at home are proud of us, so no matter the result today I think it was a good day for both of us.”
The emotional highlight of the ceremony came when Noskova paid tribute to her mother, who died two years ago.
“I definitely would not be standing here without her, so thank you,” she said before looking skyward and blowing a kiss.
The tribute moved many inside Centre Court, including nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova, who was seen wiping away tears while watching from the Royal Box alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales, who later presented Noskova with the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Muchova, playing in her second Grand Slam final after finishing runner-up at the 2023 French Open, congratulated her compatriot with humour before praising her composure. “I’m kidding, obviously, “Muchova said after jokingly referring to Noskova as “my ex-friend.” “You’re so young and this was your first final of a Grand Slam and the way you handled it was really unbelievable, you deserve it.”
The Wimbledon crown caps an impressive grass-court season for Noskova, who also lifted the Berlin Open title three weeks earlier after defeating Jessica Pegula in the final.
Her run at Wimbledon was not without adversity. She saved a match point during her third-round victory over Sorana Cirstea before eventually progressing to claim the title.
The triumph will see Noskova rise to a career-high world No. 7 when the latest WTA rankings are released on Monday.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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