Czechia’s Barbora Krejcikova shed tears despite entering the Wimbledon final. As Krejcikova’s incredible playstyle attracts many worldwide, it also brings memories of the Czech Wimbledon champion in 1998, Jana Novotna. Novotna also coached Krejcikova before her demise in 2017 due to ovarian cancer. Entering the final, this Czech player took a moment to remember her mentor, as she is on the path to becoming the true legacy-bearer of Novotna.

Krejcikova faced and took down 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the final against Jasmine Paolini. After her triumph, Krejcikova paid tribute to her former coach. “[Novotna and I] talked about [her] matches here, It’s been some while since we talked about it, so I can’t really tell you what it was about. But we definitely did. Yeah, I mean, I hope she would be proud,” said the Wimbledon 2024 finalist. 

Krejcikova’s incredible performance has drawn much attention to her playstyle, giving fans memories of the legend from her country. Novotna won her sole grand slam at the 1998 Wimbledon. Along with her incredible performance, Novotna caught fame when she wept at the Duchess of Kent’s shoulder after losing in the finals in 1993.

Known as a serve and volley specialist, Novotna made a legion of fans with her incredible achievement in the British Slam. Not only did she make Czechia proud in tennis, but she worked as a hands-on coach for Barbora Krejcikova at the ITF Challenger. This year’s Wimbledon finalist was Novotna’s last pupil bearing her legacy in the sport.

Krejcikova also revealed how she has been a fan of Novotna and drew close inspiration from her to become an established pro in tennis. “After my juniors career, it was a lot about Jana [as an inspiration] because I had an opportunity to meet her and to spend time with her and see, like, how she behaves, who she is, how such a big champion she is,” said the Czechia player.

Jana Novotna died in 2017 after battling with ovarian cancer. Not only did she leave a legacy, but she made it easier for Czech women to dream big in tennis. Following Barbora Krejcikova’s tribute, it seemed like she had her former coach in mind while shining in Wimbledon. Following her close admiration for Novotna, Krejcikova seemed happy when she was called Novotna’s legacy bearer.

Barbora Krejcikova reveals how she was “just fighting for every single ball” as Jana Novotna would want her to do that

After defeating Elena Rybakina, Krejcikova was interviewed on the court, and her response again brought people the memories of her former coach, Novotna. When the Czechia player was asked about her fighting spirit and remembering her late coach, she said, “Definitely, I remember thinking about Jana a lot. I have so many beautiful memories and when I stepped on the court here, I am just fighting for every single ball because that’s what I think she would want me to do.”

Krejcikova also broke down in tears as she was one step away from attaining the dream she saw with her late mentor. “Yeah, I just miss her very much. I miss her so much,” she said. This Czech player also paid tribute to Novotna after winning the French Open 2021. “I know she’s looking after me. All this is pretty much because she is looking after me,” she said. Krejcikova also mentioned Novotna’s last words to her, “Enjoy tennis and try and win a Grand Slam.”

Krejcikova’s statements show that she is determined to carry the legacy of her late coach, Novotna. Relying on Novotna’s advice, this Czechia player has outshined everyone in her path to reach the Wimbledon finals. Can she bring the title home like her mentor?