Linda Noskova wins first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, beats Muchova in three sets

Linda Noskova (21) has achieved her dream: the Czech rising star is the Wimbledon champion. In a dramatic all-Czech final, she defeated her compatriot Karolina Muchova (29) 6:2, 5:7, 6:3.

A Dominant Start

The world No. 12 opened the match with a commanding display of power on the "sacred grass" of Wimbledon. Noskova, who had not dropped a set from the round of 16 through the final, took the first set decisively at 6:2.

Leading 5:2 in the second set, Noskova earned her first match points on Muchova's serve.

From Power Display to Thriller

Muchova fought back to stay in the match, closing the gap to 3:5. In Noskova's subsequent service game, the young Czech's arm grew heavy. She suddenly showed signs of nerves, faced numerous break points, and lost her serve. The score tightened to 5:4, and the match was back in play.

On her way to the bench, Noskova covered her ears to block out the cheering crowd, which naturally wanted a longer contest.

Princess Kate cheers along with both players. Photo: Stephen Lock/i-Images

Muchova levelled the score to 5:5, fending off another match point in the process. Suddenly, the match became a thriller. Noskova, who had everything under control for 70 minutes, began to wobble. Her first serve stopped working, her legs grew weak, and she made one wrong decision after another. Muchova secured another break and took a 6:5 lead. Unbelievably, the set went to a third, as Muchova served it out comfortably at 7:5.

Echoes of History

The collapse recalled the fate of Noskova's compatriot Jana Novotna (†49). In 1993, Novotna led Steffi Graf (57) 4:1 in the third set on her own serve when, from one moment to the next, nothing worked for her. She lost 4:6 to the German. At the trophy ceremony, she wept on the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent (†92). It was not until five years later that Novotna finally won the Wimbledon title.

Noskova Regains Control

The third set belonged to Noskova once more. She raced to a 3:0 lead, with the momentum firmly back on her side. This time, she held the break and closed out the set 6:3, clinching the title on her sixth match point.

Prize Money and Milestones

• Noskova receives £3.6 million for her triumph.
• Muchova takes home half of that amount.

Until now, the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open were Noskova's best result at a Grand Slam tournament. Muchova, at least, reached the final of the 2023 French Open against Poland's Iga Swiatek.