Linda Noskova has won the women’s Wimbledon championship in a dramatic encounter against Czech compatriot Karolina Muchova.
Noskova won 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, being made to work for the victory after it appeared she was going to cruise the final.
After dominating the first and the beginning of the second set, Noskova had five championship points but could not get them over the line, as Muchova won five games in a row.
Despite the resilient comeback, the 21-year-old steadied herself in set three to win the title.
Linda Noskova has won the women’s Wimbledon championship
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Linda Noskova has claimed her first Grand Slam title
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The Czech won 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 on Centre Court
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Noskova raced to a 4-1 lead in the opening set, dictating the play with complete control and making very few unforced errors.
The younger Czech was fluent in her play in SW19, with Muchova having very little response in set one.
She found a short reply to make it 4-2, but Noskova comfortably held her serve, putting her one game away from the opening set.
With a break of serve once again after five attempts, Noskova won the first set 6-2.
Linda Noskova produced a performance to remember under the sun
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Karolina Muchova produced a great comeback in set two, but lost out in the final set
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The crowd on Centre Court got behind the 29-year-old Muchova, who was struggling to find any composure in the match.
Muchova finally got some attempts to break Noskova in the second set, but failed on multiple occasions to break serve.
The 21-year-old held to make it 2-1, as Muchova looked to be feeling the pressure and nerves of the moment.
Noskova was in full control in game five of set two, with a fantastic cross-court backhand to win the game.
It wasn’t to be for Karolina Muchova on Centre Court
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The 21-year-old broke Muchova again, going 4-2 up as the game ticked past the hour mark, with time running out for the older Czech.
Noskova held her serve to make it 5-2 and was a break away from winning Wimbledon.
The youngster once again put the pressure on Muchova’s serve, but the 29-year-old suddenly found a new lease of life.
Muchova won five consecutive games to bring the scoreline back to 5-7 after saving five championship points.
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Noskova took a moment to compose herself in set three, as she broke Muchova early doors.
The 21-year-old sprinted back in front as her quality shone through, and with her sixth championship point, Noskova served out and won the Wimbledon title.
Noskova received her trophy from the Princess of Wales as she lifted her first Grand Slam title.
Both players spoke to the crowd following the contest.
The Princess of Wales presented the trophies to the two players
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An emotional Muchova said: “Really tough to find any words, but I’ll start with Linda, my ex-friend. I’m kidding obviously, kind of.
“You are so young; this is your first final at a Grand Slam. The way you handled it and the way you played is really unbelievable. Beyond this, you are especially a very kind person and human being, so congratulations to you and your team. You deserve it.
“I would like to thank everyone who is making this special tournament possible. Attention always on us players, but there are so many people who run this special event, so thank you for making it so smooth. I would like to thank every one of you guys for the past two weeks; you have been coming to every one of my matches, supporting everyone.
“This is an unbelievable tournament, a special one, the best one in the world, and I am just really glad to be standing here. Even though I am pretty disappointed now. When I look to the corner, I have all my friends and family who cancelled plans to come and watch me, and it means a lot. My team who has been with me these past weeks, pushing me and keeping me positive, thank you guys very much.
“I will be fighting, will be fighting more. I want the trophy, and I hope I can reach the final again and can come back and win.”
The pair spoke to the crowd following the contest
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Wimbledon champion Noskova said: “All these matches have been so tough physically and mentally, today especially, and it’s never easy to get the last point.
“Karo – you really made me work for it. We’re friends, I’m so glad I could play you in my first Grand Slam final, with you I think we made history today. I believe all the Czech fans at home are proud of us, no matter the result; it’s a good day.
“I want to congratulate your team, a good two weeks for you and a great season so congrats as well. I want to thank my team, I want to thank my dad for coming here, for my family flying here – I know you don’t like flying so I appreciate it. I would like to thank my friends, supporters, agents, my whole team.
“I would like to thank my coach for being with me, which is not easy all the time. We have been together for six years, and I’m so grateful for you. I would not be here without you.”
