​Linda Noskova avoided the fate of her Czech compatriot Jana Novotná, who famously cried on the Duchess of Kent’s shoulder after a dramatic comeback, and instead she weathered the pressure to prevail. The five consecutive games Noskova dropped in set two of this memorable final did not derail her in the same way Novotná’s five-game drought against Steffi Graf in 1993 had once done. Instead, Noskova demonstrated remarkable resilience, clawing back from squandering five match points in the second set and triumphing in the decider. The final score, 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, played over two hours and 27 minutes, did much to erase last year’s hollow 6-0, 6-0 rout in this same matchup.
I haven’t yet mentioned Noskova’s opponent, Karolina Muchová, another Czech star who added to the drama and contributed to a spectacular spectacle watched by a stellar Royal Box, with Lily Collins, Hannah Waddingham, and Jodie Foster among the attendees. More to come…
07:00pm The emotion in Linda Noskova’s speech reduced the number of dry eyes on Centre Court, including Martina Navrátilová at the front of the Royal Box. As Noskova passed the famous board, her name already appeared on it. That’s all from today, with Linda Nosková crowned the Wimbledon women’s champion.
06:53pm Nosková was overcome with emotion as she thanked her father and the family members who traveled despite their aversion to flying. “I want to thank my coach for sticking with me, which isn’t always easy, but we’ve been together for six years now and I’m so grateful for you and I wouldn’t be here without you.” Nosková lost her mother two years ago and added: “There is also one more person I’d like to thank, which is my mum; I definitely would not be standing here without her, so… thank you.”
06:50pm Nosková said: “I don’t know how to hold it [the trophy], that’s the first thing. All these matches have been so tough, especially today. Karolína, you really made me work for it. We’re friends, I’m so glad I could play my first Grand Slam final with you and I think we made history today. I believe all our Czech fans at home are proud of us, so no matter the result, it was a great day.”
06:48pm Muchová reflected on Wimbledon as “the best tournament in the world” and said: “I am happy to be standing here even though I’m pretty disappointed now, but when I look at my opponent… [crying] I have all my friends and family who canceled their plans to be here for me; it means a lot. And my team, who have supported me through these weeks—thank you. I’ll keep fighting, I want that trophy, and I hope to reach the final again and come back.”
06:46pm The Princess of Wales will present the trophies to the winner and runner-up. Muchová will hand the runner-up’s trophy to the finalist, and Nosková will receive the winner’s trophy after a match that will be remembered for its emotional intensity and high-quality tennis.
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