From Martina to Muchova: All-Czech final at Wimbledon continues the country's tennis legacy

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic celebrates her victory against Coco Gauff of the United States in their semifinal women’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic celebrates her victory against Coco Gauff of the United States, background, in their semifinal women’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic drops her racket as she reacts to winning against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their semifinal women’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Linda Noskova of Czech Republic, celebrates after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their women’s singles semifinal match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska)

LONDON (AP) — Linda Noskova didn’t pay much attention to tennis as a kid until she watched Czech compatriot Petra Kvitova win the Wimbledon final in 2011.