Linda Noskova broke down in tears following her Wimbledon triumph (Image: BBC Sport)
Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova brought a BBC pundit to tears during her speech following her victory in the ladies’ singles final on Saturday afternoon. It was an all-Czech affair on Centre Court, with Noskova joined in the final by countrywoman Karolina Muchova.
Noskova proved too much for Muchova, winning her first Grand Slam title by virtue of a 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 triumph over the world No.9. There was an added element of emotion to Noskova’s win though, given her mother passed away on the eve of the 2024 Championships when she was just 19.
Noskova touched on the unimaginable loss during her acceptance speech, saying: “There’s also one more person I would like to thank, which is my mum. I would definitely would not be standing here without her so thank you. Guys, I don’t cry normally so this is not okay for me. I have been enjoying these two weeks so much, all the sad tears, the happy tears, the sweat and blood going into this.
“It was all worth it, so I will definitely never forget these two weeks and one more thing, I want to thank all the fans. You guys made this final like nothing I have ever experienced before so I can not wait to come back next year.”
As she paid tribute to her late mother, cameras showed Navratilova – a nine-time Wimbledon champion – crying in the stands.
Reacting to the heart-wrenching speech, the commentator, Sam Smith, remarked: “For Noskova to come here, a little over two years since she lost her mother to cancer right before Wimbledon 2024 and lift the title at 21 in such a rollercoaster of a final shows you she really is a true champion.”
Linda Noskova won her first-ever Grand Slam title on Saturday (Image: Getty)
During her speech, Noskova added: “I don’t know how to hold it [the trophy], that’s the first thing. It feels incredible, today and all these matches have been so tough, physically and mentally. Today, especially, it’s never easy to get the last point. Karol, you really made me work for it.
“I will not forgive you this one, like you said we are friends. I am so glad that I could play my first Grand Slam final with you. I think we made history today. I believe all our Czech fans at home are proud of us today so no matter the result today I think it was a good day for both of us.
“I want to congratulate your team, you especially have been such a fighter and you guys, a good two weeks for you and a great season as well so congratulations. I want to thank my team, I want to thank my Dad for coming here, for my family members flying here, I know you don’t like flying so I appreciate it.”
She continued: “I want to thank all my friends, supporters, sponsors, agents and my whole team. I want to thank Agatha, the best atmosphere manager I could wish for and my coach for being with me which is not easy all the time. We have been together for six years now, I think, and I am so grateful for you. I would not be here without you.”