Linda Noskova couldn’t hold back after winning her first major title defeating compatriot Karolina Muchova in the Wimbledon final.
Noskova recovered from five points down in the second game to win her first major final, winning 6-2 5-7 6-3.
In winning the title, Noskova became the third Czechoslovakian to win the women’s singles title in the last four years.
Her win came two years after Noskova’s mother lost her battle with cancer on the eve of the 2024 tournament.
And the 21-year-old paid tribute to her mother after making it through to the final.
“All these matches were very difficult physically and mentally, today especially and it is not easy to get the last point,” said Noskova in the court.
“Karo – you really made me work for you. We are friends, I’m very happy that I was able to play with you in my first grand slam final, and I think we made history today.
“I want to congratulate your team, a good two weeks for you and a good season so I congratulate you. I want to thank my team, I want to thank my dad for coming here, for my family flying here – I know you don’t like flying so I appreciate it. I want to thank my friends, supporters, agents, my whole team.
“I would like to thank my coach for being with me, which is not always easy, we have been together for six years and I am very grateful for you, I would not be here without you.
“There is one person I want to thank, which is my mother, I wouldn’t be standing here without you, so thank you.”
Asked about returning as champion in 2027, Noskova said: “I really enjoyed these two weeks.
“I want to thank all the fans. You guys made this final like nothing I’ve ever seen before so I can’t wait to come back.”
Muchova congratulates ‘former friend’ Noskova
For Muchova, the loss marked her second grand slam final, having previously lost the 2023 French Open showdown.
And he managed to maintain a sense of humor despite the disappointment.
“It’s really hard to find words, but I’ll start with Linda, my ‘former friend’. I’m kidding, of course, sort of,” joked Muchova.
“You’re so young, it’s your first time in the grand slam finals, the way you handled it and the way you played is really unbelievable. In addition to this, you’re a very kind person and a human being, so I congratulate you and your team. You deserve it.
“I would like to thank everyone who made this special tournament, the attention is always on us players but there are many people who are in charge of this special event, so thank you for doing well. I would like to thank all your boys [the crowd] for the past two weeks, you’ve been coming to all my games, supporting everyone.
“This is an unbelievable, special, best tournament in the world and I’m very happy to stand here. Even though I’m disappointed now. But, when I look in my corner… I’m sorry, it hurts. When I look in the corner, I have all my friends and family canceling plans to come and watch me and it means a lot. My team that has been with me, they push me a lot and thank you guys so much.
“I will be fighting hard, I want the trophy and I hope to reach the final again and be able to come back and win.”
