Wimbledon is in the books after Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova, 6-2 5-7 6-3, to win her first Slam in a historic all-Czech finale on Saturday. It was a memorable Slam and while I am relieved for a brief lull in the tennis after the most hectic time of the year, i’m sure I will miss it next week. Read on for highlights from Wimby ’26…
Best matches 🎾
Lots of good matches at this year’s Wimbledon although no match of the year contenders for me.
Muchova d. Krejcikova, 7-5 5-7 6-3 (R4): My favourite match from the tournament, even if it did age me several years. A classic grass court match with some gorgeous variety from both players. Muchova led, 7-5 5-2, before a free-flowing Krejcikova played some of her best tennis to force a third set. The end of the second set was peak with some fantastic all-court rallies. Muchova held her nerve in the decider to seal the win as Krejcikova faded physically.
Muchova d. Gauff, 6-2 1-6 7-6(10) (SF): Muchova-Gauff match-ups are never my favourite and the first two and a half sets were largely forgettable. However, this was an instant classic for the third set tiebreak alone as Wimby semi-finals day produced a banger for the third straight year. The drama and tension at the end was wild – I didn’t breathe for the last 30 minutes. Both had the match on their racquet so it was always going to be a crusher for whoever didn’t win.
Gauff d. Bencic, 4-6 6-3 6-4 (R4): There’s something about late night tennis under the roof. A thriller of a match that, while having its patchy moments, will be remembered for a super final two sets and a race against the clock to beat the curfew.
Krejcikova d. Andreeva, 4-6 7-5 6-4 (R2): Memorable for the 5-3 game in the third set alone with some epic rallies as Krejcikova squandered six match points. The former champ broke for the victory in the next game.
Navarro d. Badosa, 4-6 6-3 7-5 (R1): Fluctuating quality, lots of ups and downs and a gripping finish. Navarro won the last five games of the match as Badosa’s challenge faded after being two points from the victory.
Memorable moments 🥰
Serena at SW19: Serena’s return to singles action provided a real buzz to the start of this year’s Championships. It was a gripping first round match for many different reasons as Joint put her name on the tennis map with a 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3 victory. It was sad how it ended with Serena having to pull out of doubles with Venus due to a knee injury. I hope we get to see them play doubles at least at the US Open.
Osaka ousts Sabalenka: Sabalenka had won all three encounters with Osaka in 2026 and the pair met again in a much anticipated fourth round match. In a first meeting on grass, Osaka played a phenomenal match to beat Sabalenka, 6-2 7-6(2). It was Sabalenka’s first straight sets defeat at a Slam since the 2020 US Open (l. to Azarenka, 6-1 6-3) and it ended a streak of 14 consecutive Slam quarter-finals. Without doubt, it was Osaka’s best match since returning to the tour after having her first child. It was a special moment to happen on Centre Court and on grass, a surface that Osaka had never figured out until now.
Eala makes history: Alexandra Eala reached the last 16 of a Slam for the first time in her career, knocking out the defending champion, Iga Swiatek, in a historic win for the Philippines The first set was one the wildest of the tournament with some crazy shifts in momentum. Eala’s reaction upon winning the match was heartwarming and I loved her post-match interview where she was emotional but also clear to point out that she wanted more! Eala is so impressive with how she handles everything as she seemingly carries the weight of a nation on her shoulders.
Gauff beats the clock: On a crazy middle Sunday, the best day of the tournament, Gauff managed to beat the curfew by two minutes to serve out the win over Bencic and reach her first Wimbledon quarter-final. The celebration was iconic.
An all-Czech final: For the third year in the last four, a new Czech player won Wimbledon and they went one step further with an all-Czech final. It was a cracking final with drama and tension as Muchova saved five Championship points in the second set before Noskova reset in sensational fashion. The questions will keep on coming about why Czech women’s tennis is so good and particularly at Wimbledon. The production line also keeps going as I could see Bartunkova winning Wimbledon in years to come.
Biggest upsets 😱
While I had flagged Daria Snigur as a tricky opponent for the number eight seed, Elina Svitolina in my tournament preview, I was genuinely surprised that Snigur pulled off the upset and won so convincingly with little resistance from Svitolina in the second set. Snigur won, 7-5 6-2, and went onto reach the third round. Similarly, I was also surprised by Elise Mertens‘s third round upset win over the number 2 seed, Elena Rybakina, 7-6(4) 6-1, and how quickly the second set went.
Funniest moments 😂
This made me laugh. I like it when the players interact before the match.
BBC pundit reactions to the Muchova-Gauff third set tiebreak. This was all of us 😂.
Ex-friend was a cracking line from Muchova in the trophy ceremony 😂.
Handshakes & hugs 🤗
Muchova-Krejcikova was all the feels. Krejcikova deferred the coin toss to Muchova before the match and the pair shared a wonderful moment at the net after the match.
WTA drama 👀
Siegemund. Ostapenko. Enough said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/videos/c4gyy151xzyo
Favourite interviews 📺
Eala’s post-match interview after beating Iga Swiatek was an iconic moment.
Loved Naomi’s walk-on outfit for Wimby 2026 and she explained the inspiration behind it after her first round win.
WimbleDONE.
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