Wimbledon: Muchová survives Gauff, Nosková kicks Kostyuk and prepares the all-Czech final

Karolína Muchová saved a match point against Coco Gauff in a thrilling Wimbledon semi-final before Linda Nosková defeated Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to set up the first Czech Grand Slam final on Thursday.

In a two-hour and 35-minute thriller on the center court, Muchová fought her way past the American seventh seed 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10). Nosková then followed that up with a close 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ukraine’s Kostyukova to book her place in her first Grand Slam final.

Saturday’s fight for the title will be the first all-Czech women’s Grand Slam final and will guarantee the Czech Wimbledon champion for the third time in four years after the triumph of Markéta Vondroušová in 2023 and last year’s victory of Barbora Krejčíková.

MUCHOVA FIGHTS FOR GAUFF

Muchova looked set for an easy afternoon after cruising through the opening set, breaking Gauff twice and sealing it with a 111 mph ace. But the American fought hard in the second and eventually converted one of her break chances before leveling the match.

The deciding set turned into a thrilling battle with both players displaying fearless shooting as the match headed into a tie-break.

Muchova raced out to a 6-3 lead before Gauff clawed her way back to claim match point at 10-9. However, the American failed to convert as she pushed her forehand into the net, giving Mucha a lifeline.

The Czech took advantage, earning two match points and sealing the victory when Gauff found the net again with a forehand.

“Being in the final sounds really nice. It was such a big fight. It was a roller coaster, you’re up and down,” Muchová said after the match.

“In 10 seconds you’re up a match point, then you’re a match point down. No time to think, but very nerve-wracking. I don’t even know what I’m saying.”

“I’m really shaking and trying to absorb it, but the atmosphere here is indescribable.”

KOSTYUK NOSE HAMMER

Later in the day, Nosková ensured that Muchová would have Czech company in the final with a clinical display against Kostyuk.

The ninth seed, in her first Grand Slam semi-final, remained calm throughout and took advantage of a poor serve from the Ukrainian to take the opening set.

In the second, Nosková moved to 3-1 before Kosťuk fought back briefly with a break of serve. However, the Czech remained balanced, waited for her opponent’s next break and ended the match in one hour and 19 minutes.

“Semifinals at a Grand Slam are never easy, but I tried to stay as patient as possible, stay cool and somehow get the last point,” said Nosková.

“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.

“Karolína is a great fighter, an incredible player, but above all, a great person,” said Nosková.

“I’m happy 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 have contested a Grand Slam singles title, when Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys in New York.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

09 Jul 2026 23:48 IST