Noskova, an astonishing Wimbledon fightback - and a kiss to the sky
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- Linda Noskova staged a remarkable comeback to win the Wimbledon championship after facing six championship points in the deciding set.
- The 21-year-old dedicated her victory to her late mother, Ivana, who died of cancer before the tournament began.
- Noskova drew on inner strength to overcome nerves and a tense second set, ultimately securing her first Grand Slam title.
Linda Noskova achieved one of Wimbledon's greatest comebacks on Centre Court, clinching the championship title after saving six championship points in a dramatic deciding set against Karolina Muchova. The 21-year-old's resilience and determination were on full display as she recovered from a commanding lead in the second set, which saw her opponent push the match to a final set.
There's one more person that I want to thank, which is my mum. I would definitely not be standing here without you, so thank you.
After securing the victory, a tearful Noskova dedicated her win to her mother, Ivana, who passed away from cancer on the eve of the 2024 Wimbledon tournament. "I would definitely not be standing here without you, so thank you," Noskova said, kissing her hand and raising it skyward to a standing ovation.
She takes after my husband in that regard. She simply doesn't let things bother her. Whether it's a break point or a match point, she stays just as calm. It's not that she doesn't care - it's just she's able to detach herself from the situation.
Noskova's mother had previously described her daughter as "unflappable," noting her ability to remain calm under pressure, a trait that proved crucial during the tense final moments. Despite double-faulting twice when serving for the title and experiencing visible frustration, Noskova found the strength to regroup after a brief break off-court.
It was so tense, not just for the players but for the people around me. People are getting their phones out to get the winning moments, and then the phones are going away.
Recalling her time in the locker room, Noskova shared, "I just splashed some cold water on me, started over again." She was motivated by the sight of the trophies, telling herself, "I'm not going to take the small one, I'm taking the big one." This renewed determination allowed her to save three break points in her first service game back, ultimately paving the way for her historic win.
I was in the bathroom. I just splashed some cold water on me, started over again. What really helped me [was] the first step I took off court, the trophies were there. I was like, 'I'm not going to take the small one, I'm taking the big one. I have been so close. This will probably be the heartbreak of my life.'
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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