Linda Noskova, the 2026 Wimbledon women's singles champion, delivered an emotional victory speech on Saturday afternoon that left both BBC viewers and tennis legend Martina Navratilova in tears. The 21-year-old Czech defeated her compatriot Karolina Muchova 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.
Emotional Tribute to Late Mother
Noskova's triumph carried profound personal significance. Her mother died on the eve of the 2024 Championships, when Noskova was just 19. During her acceptance speech, Noskova fought back tears as she said: "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."
She added: "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."
Navratilova and Viewers Moved to Tears
As Noskova spoke, cameras captured nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova weeping in the stands. 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."
Viewers at home also crumbled. One X user posted: "I started out saying the final is boring, and ended up sobbing crying at Linda thanking her mom who passed away and seeing Muchova cry... that was actually a rollercoaster of emotions, tennis is beautiful." Another chimed in: "Linda Novoska got me ugly crying out here this morning. What a moving winner speech. That shoutout to her mom. Just wow!!!"
Speech Highlights and Gratitude
During her address, Noskova also acknowledged her opponent: "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."
She thanked her team, her father, family, friends, supporters, sponsors, agents, and her coach of six years. "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."
The 2026 Wimbledon matches are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
