Noskova’s path to the final
Linda Noskova secured her place in her first major final by defeating Marta Kostyuk with a score of 6-4, 6-4. The match, which lasted just one hour 19 minutes, saw Noskova deliver a composed performance. She faced only one break point during the entire match, demonstrating strong serving throughout the afternoon.
Noskova’s victory sets the stage for an all-Czech Wimbledon final against Karolina Muchova. This marks the first time two women from the same nation have reached a Grand Slam final since the 2017 U.S. Open. Noskova, at 21 years old, is the youngest finalist since Jelena Ostapenko in 2018.
Reflecting on her performance, Noskova stated that staying calm was a primary objective. She also mentioned that she tends to fully appreciate her successes after a tournament concludes, with her current focus being on the upcoming final.
Key moments and player performances
The match began with both players settling into their serves, resulting in clean rallies and few opportunities for either side. Approximately eight games into the match, both Noskova and Kostyuk had won 29 points each, indicating a closely contested start.
The turning point arrived when Kostyuk was serving to stay in the opening set at 4-5. Noskova capitalized on the opportunity, forcing three set points. Although Kostyuk saved the first, a double fault handed the first set to Noskova. Following this, Noskova’s serve became particularly effective, a result of her consistent work on it over the past couple of years.
In the second set, Noskova secured an early break. Despite Kostyuk’s efforts to rally and engage the crowd, Noskova maintained her composure. Kostyuk eventually earned her first break point midway through the second set and converted it with a forehand winner, followed by holding her serve. However, Noskova steadied herself with another hold, and Kostyuk faltered under pressure at 5-4, leading to Noskova securing the match.
Kostyuk acknowledged Noskova’s strong serving, describing its quality as exceptional and noting that she, as a good returner, found it challenging to create break point opportunities. Kostyuk had arrived in strong form, having reached the French Open semi-finals and winning 21 of her previous 22 matches. Noskova, meanwhile, had won the Berlin Open title before Wimbledon.
Anticipation for the all-Czech final
The upcoming final between Noskova and Muchova guarantees a new women’s champion for the ninth consecutive time at Wimbledon. Both players are familiar with each other, having even practiced together the night before their semi-final matches on Centre Court.
Noskova expressed her anticipation for the final, describing Muchova as a great fighter and an incredible player, as well as a good person. She also shared some of her superstitious routines, which she intends to maintain, including specific eating habits and using the same bathroom and sink.
The presence of two Czech players in the final highlights the nation’s strong tradition in women’s tennis. Noskova mentioned that Czech players are brought up with similar game styles but also possess creativity, allowing them to adapt to different aspects of tennis, including slices and volleys.
Noskova also recalled watching Petra Kvitova win her title, which helped her realize the existence of tennis as a sport. She hopes to follow in Kvitova’s footsteps, who is a fellow Czech and a two-time Wimbledon champion. Noskova has won 10 of her last 11 WTA Tour matches, demonstrating her strong form on grass courts.
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Source: theguardian.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
