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Karolina Muchova saved a match point to edge past Coco Gauff in a gripping Wimbledon semi-final before Linda Noskova defeated Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to set up the first all-Czech women’s Grand Slam final on Thursday.
Muchova battled past the American seventh seed 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10) in a two-hour and 35-minute thriller on Centre Court. Noskova then followed it up with a composed 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ukraine’s Kostyuk to book her place in her maiden Grand Slam final.
Saturday’s title clash will be the first all-Czech women’s Grand Slam final and guarantees a Czech champion at Wimbledon for the third time in four years after Marketa Vondrousova’s triumph in 2023 and Barbora Krejcikova’s victory last year.
MUCHOVA BATTLES OFF GAUFF
Muchova looked set for a comfortable afternoon after racing through the opening set, breaking Gauff twice and sealing it with a 111 mph ace. But the American fought back strongly in the second, finally converting one of her break-point chances before levelling the contest.
The deciding set turned into a captivating battle, with both players producing fearless shot-making as the match headed into a tie-break.
Muchova surged to a 6-3 lead before Gauff clawed her way back and earned a match point at 10-9. The American, however, failed to convert as she pushed a forehand into the net, allowing Muchova a lifeline.
The Czech made the most of it, earning two match points of her own before sealing victory when Gauff again found the net with a forehand.
“It sounds really nice to be in the final. It was such a big fight. It was a rollercoaster, you’re up and down,” Muchova said after the match.
“In 10 seconds you have a match point, then you’re match point down. There’s no time to think, but very nerve-racking. I don’t even know what I’m saying.
“I’m really shaking and trying to let it sink in, but the atmosphere here, indescribable.”
NOSKOVA HAMMERS KOSTYUK
Later in the day, Noskova ensured Muchova would have Czech company in the final with a clinical display against Kostyuk.
Playing in her first Grand Slam semi-final, the ninth seed remained calm throughout and capitalised on a poor service game from the Ukrainian to take the opening set.
Noskova moved 3-1 ahead in the second before Kostyuk briefly fought back with a break of serve. The Czech, however, stayed composed, waited for another lapse from her opponent and wrapped up the contest in one hour and 19 minutes.
“A semi-final in a Grand Slam is never easy but I just tried to stay as patient as possible, stay cool and somehow get the last point,” Noskova said.
“When I play my best I know I can play with the best players in the world.”
The 21-year-old also paid tribute to her compatriot after setting up Saturday’s historic final.
“Karolina is such a great fighter, an incredible player but mainly and mostly she’s a great person,” Noskova said.
“I’m glad I get to play my first final with her.”
The final will also be the first time since the 2017 US Open that two women from the same country will contest a Grand Slam singles title, when Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys in New York.
– Ends
