Martina Navratilova was moved to tears after Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Ivana Noskova, during the trophy ceremony.
Noskova won her first Grand Slam title at the All England Club on Saturday after securing a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 win over Karolína Muchova on Centre Court. Following the 2-hour and 36-minute battle, the Czech player gave a heartwarming speech reflecting on her win and crediting her late mother for the victory. She broke down into tears as she said:
“There’s also one more person I would like to thank, which is my mum. I definitely would not be standing here without her, so, thank you,” said Linda Noskova.
Her tribute left much of the Centre Court emotional, including Martina Navratilova. The former tennis player, who was cheering for Noskova from the stands, was seen applauding before breaking down into tears.
Noskova’s mother passed away in July 2024 on the eve of the Wimbledon tournament, after a long battle with cancer. Earlier that year, she told Denik. cz that her illness had prevented her from travelling to the Australian Open. She said:
“I’m sick, the long journey itself is exhausting. We watch everything at home, keep our fingers crossed and stay in touch. Over the years, we’ve traveled together a lot.”
Linda Noskova reflected on her Wimbledon win against Karolína Muchova
During the trophy ceremony, Linda Noskova weighed in on her victory over her fellow Czech, Karolína Muchova, in the Wimbledon final. Describing the win as ‘incredible,’ she said that the tournament had been mentally and physically tough for her.
She further praised her opponent for giving a tough competition and thanked her team, friends, and family for their support. When asked what it felt like to hold the trophy, she said:
“I don’t know how to hold it. So, that’s the first thing. It feels incredible today and all these matches have been so tough, so physically or mentally tough. Today especially, it’s never easy to get the last point. Karo, you really made me work for it. I will not forgive you this one. But, like you said, we’re friends. I’m so glad that I could play my first grand swim final with you. I think we made a history today. I believe that all our Czech fans at home are proud of us. 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 you have been such a fighter and you guys yeah good two weeks for you and the great season as well. So congrats as well,” said Linda Noskova.
“I want to thank my team. I want to thank my dad for coming here, for my family members coming here. Flying here. I know you don’t like flying, I appreciate it. I want to thank all my friends, all my supporters, all my sponsors, all my agents, my whole team. I want to thank Agata for the best atmosphere manager I could wish for. And I want to thank my coach for being with me which is not easy all the time but we have been together for six years now I think and I’m so grateful for you.”
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