Tennis-Wimbledon champion Noskova takes low-key approach into US Open

Tennis-Wimbledon champion Noskova takes low-key approach into US Open

The Star Online - Sport·2026-08-29 08:01

Aug 28 (Reuters) - Linda Noskova arrives ⁠at the U.S. Open under a brighter spotlight after capturing her ⁠first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, yet she said her success at ‌the All England Club has not given her any extra confidence heading into the tournament.

"No, for me, I always come to a tournament with a completely new kind of mental state, I guess," ​Czech sixth seed Noskova told reporters on Friday.

"For me, ⁠it has always been very ⁠important to focus on each match like nothing ever happened before. No success or ⁠no ‌failure."

Noskova had to survive the agony of squandering five match points to outlast compatriot Karolina Muchova in the final of the grasscourt major ⁠to become the third Czech woman to win the Wimbledon ​title in four ‌years.

The 21-year-old Noskova admitted she is still getting used to life as ⁠a Grand Slam ​champion, an accomplishment that has given her the belief that more titles are possible.

"It's still all brand new, so it's very tough to get used to whatever comes in ⁠this way," Noskova said.

"But I feel like I ​have learned mainly the fact that ... it's possible for me to do it, for me to make it till the very end, and just lift Grand Slam trophy."

Noskova's ⁠Wimbledon triumph was followed by a string of new experiences she is still beaming about, including meeting Czech President Petr Pavel.

"That was huge," a smiling Noskova said. "I was so excited from the invite.

"But also, the things that like my hometown ​welcomed me. 3,000 people came to one place. That ⁠was incredible to see just a bunch of people that actually watched the match."

Noskova, ​who is in the top half of the ‌U.S. Open draw with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka ​and third seed Jessica Pegula, will face American Katie Volynets in the first round.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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