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Noskova cries tears of joy after emotional Wimbledon final / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP
Noskova cries tears of joy after emotional Wimbledon final
Tearful Linda Noskova admitted her astonishing Wimbledon final victory over close friend Karolina Muchova was an emotional rollercoaster.
Noskova recovered from squandering five match points in the second set to win 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a Centre Court classic on Saturday.
The 21-year-old is the youngest woman to win Wimbledon since her fellow Czech and childhood idol Petra Kvitova in 2011.
Noskova was able to summon up the resilience to steady her nerves in the final set after breaking down in tears following her second set collapse.
The ninth seed was in tears again during the post-match interview on court as she relived the dramatic clash.
"All these matches have been so tough, physically and mentally. Today especially, it's never easy to get the last point," she said.
Noskova and compatriot Muchova are close friends off the court, having played doubles together at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
And Noskova said it was hard to watch Muchova break down in tears after falling short of her maiden Grand Slam title.
"Karo you really made me work for it. Like you said we are friends. I'm so glad I could play my first Grand Slam final with you. You are such a fighter. I think we made history today," Noskova said.
"All our Czech fans will be proud of us no matter the result."
There was extra pathos on an already emotion-filled afternoon as Noskova dedicated her win to her mother, who died in 2024.
"There is one more person I would like to thank -- my mum. I would definitely not be standing here without you," she said before blowing a kiss to the sky.
"I don't usually cry. All the hard work and sweat these last two weeks was worth it. I can't wait to come back next year."
That was the signal for Czech-born Martina Navratilova, who won multiple Wimbledon titles under the United States flag, to burst into tears alongside the Princess of Wales in the royal box.
Muchova was also unable to contain her emotions, wiping away tears during her interview.
"It's really tough to find any words. I'll start with Linda -- my ex-friend! I'm kidding obviously, kinda," she said.
"You are so young, it is your first Grand Slam final and the way you played was unbelievable. You are a very kind person. You deserve it."
As the tears flowed again, she added: "I'm pretty disappointed now. When I look to my corner... sorry, it's pretty emotional.
"I'll be fighting more. I want that trophy. I hope I can come to the final again."
(A.Johnson--TAG)
