Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic kisses her trophy after winning the women's singles final against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, on July 11, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
LONDON, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Czech youngster Linda Noskova captured her maiden Grand Slam singles title on Saturday after surviving a dramatic comeback from compatriot Karolina Muchova to win the Wimbledon women's singles final 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
The ninth seed looked set for a comfortable victory after racing to a 6-2, 5-2 lead and earning five championship points. However, 10th seed Muchova mounted a remarkable fightback, winning five consecutive games to win the second set 7-5 and force a decider.
21-year-old Noskova regrouped in the decider, overcoming the disappointment of squandering multiple opportunities to close out the match.
Serving for the championship once again, she fired an ace to set up a sixth championship point before sealing victory with a service winner.
The triumph marked Noskova's first Grand Slam singles title and the first all-Czech women's singles final in Wimbledon history.
"It feels incredible. Physically and mentally it has been tough. It is never easy to get the last point," Noskova said after the match.
She also praised Muchova, saying, "You made it so tough for me. I'm glad I played my first major final with you, and I think we made history today."
Noskova became the third Czech woman to win the Wimbledon singles title in the past four years, following Marketa Vondrousova in 2023 and Barbora Krejcikova in 2024.
Her victory was witnessed by Czech-born Martina Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon singles champion, and two-time champion Petra Kvitova.
During the trophy ceremony, an emotional Noskova paid tribute to her family, especially her mother Ivana, who passed away on the eve of Wimbledon two years ago.
"I'd like to thank my dad for coming here, and my family for flying here. I know you don't like flying, so I really appreciate it," she said in tears.
"There is one more person I'd like to thank. I'd like to thank my mum. I wouldn't be here without her." Noskova then blew a kiss toward the sky as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Muchova, the runner-up at the 2023 French Open, congratulated her fellow Czech after the match.
"It's really tough to find any words, but I'll start with Linda - my ex-friend," she joked. "The way you handled it and the way you played was unbelievable. You deserve it." ■
Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic celebrates with her trophy after winning the women's singles final against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, on July 11, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic celebrates with her trophy after winning the women's singles final against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, on July 11, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic celebrates with her trophy after winning the women's singles final against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, on July 11, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
