Linda Nosková survived missing five match points to outlast compatriot Karolína Muchová 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to win a maiden grand slam title as she extended the Czech Republic’s remarkable Wimbledon success story.
Nosková’s triumph on the historic lawns of south-west London made her the third Czech woman to capture the Wimbledon title in four years and continued a run of fresh faces at the All England Club with a first-time champion for the ninth straight edition.
In joining the roll of honour, Nosková added her name to a distinguished Czech tradition at Wimbledon that includes twice champion Petra Kvitova and the late Jana Novotná, whose 1998 triumph remains one of the tournament’s enduring memories.
At the pinnacle of that legacy is Martina Navratilova, who twice lifted the gilded Venus Rosewater Dish as a Czech in 1978 and 1979 before becoming a US citizen to increase her haul to nine singles crowns at the grass court grand slam.
“I don’t know how to hold this, but that’s the first thing,” Nosková said as she cradled her silverware.
“It feels incredible. And all these matches have been so physically or mentally tough. Today, especially, it’s never easy to get to last point.
“Karo, you really made me work for it. So I’ll not forgive for you, but yeah we’re friends.
“I’m so glad I could play my first grand slam final with you. I think 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 us.”