“I don’t look at myself or Google myself”: Linda Noskova explains why she stays away from online reactions
WTAFriday, 10 July 2026 at 06:30
Linda Noskova admitted she still has not fully processed reaching her first Grand Slam final after completing her Wimbledon breakthrough, but the Czech star believes the biggest change behind her run came from a mental reset rather than a dramatic adjustment to her game.
The 21-year-old defeated Marta Kostyuk to reach the final and will face compatriot Karolina Muchova in an all-Czech championship match. However, Noskova insisted that her success was impossible to predict, explaining that strong runs often arrive when players least expect them.
After a difficult Roland Garros campaign, where she felt mentally exhausted following a long clay season, Noskova said she changed her approach before the grass swing. That shift helped her find a new level, first in Berlin and then at Wimbledon.
The Czech player also revealed her admiration for Muchova, explaining that she was actually supporting her compatriot during Muchova’s run to the 2023 French Open final. Noskova’s comments highlighted the close connection between Czech players as another Wimbledon final featuring two players from the country approaches.
“I had to restart”: Noskova explains the change behind her run
Noskova rejected the idea that she expected this level of success after Roland Garros, saying breakthrough moments cannot simply be planned. “It always comes out of nowhere, I guess," Noskova said in press conference. "You can't really plan your success or good times. If I could do it, I would definitely be planning it on every Grand Slam,"
"After Roland Garros, I was very mentally tired because the clay season was long for me. I've had a lot of good matches, a lot of great tournaments, but French Open was a disaster for me," the world No. 13 added. "I kind of had to restart, reset, focus on just enjoying the time on court and this is where it got me.”
Linda Noskova reached the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open 2016. She beat Coco Gauff on her way, but lost to the eventual champion, Marta Kosyuk.
That mindset has also changed the way Noskova views elite tennis. Rather than searching for a major transformation, she believes the difference at the highest level often comes down to small details. “At this stage, I would say that it's not about the big things. It's about the small percentage.”
Noskova said she feels she is currently playing some of the best tennis of her career, particularly because grass allows her to use different parts of her game.
“I think I'm playing great tennis. It's always when I feel good and relaxed off court, it's probably when it shows the most on court. Everybody has the level, it's just the small percentages that make the biggest difference.”
“I was obviously cheering for Karolina”: Noskova on Muchova and Wimbledon traditions
Before becoming Muchova’s opponent in the Wimbledon final, Noskova was one of the players supporting her compatriot during previous major runs. She explained that their relationship developed during the Olympics, where they played doubles together.
“We have never really met before until a couple of years ago, as I came on tour. But she's a great player, great person especially. We got to know each other a lot during the Olympics a couple of years ago because we played doubles and almost got the medal.
When she got to the French Open final a few years ago and she played Iga, I was watching it. I was obviously cheering for Karolina. I always like to see any fellow Czech players to have any success.”
Karolina Muchova will play her second Grand Slam final three years after her defeat in Roland Garros against Iga Swiatek.
Noskova was also asked why Czech women continue to produce successful Wimbledon players. While she admitted there is no simple explanation, she pointed to the country’s coaching system and the versatility of Czech tennis.
“I don't know. It's a tradition at this point, I guess. We have so many tennis schools in Czech, even though we're such a small country. We have so many great coaches that have been working with worldwide greatest players.”
Away from tennis, Noskova showed another side of her personality when discussing her relationship with nature and social media. Asked whether Wimbledon’s grass had brought her luck, she joked: “I'll bring grass with me to every tournament now.”
She also explained why she avoids spending too much time online during tournaments. “I don't look at myself or Google myself to see what anyone wrote about me because it's the internet. You cannot really believe everything that is said.”
Noskova now prepares for the biggest match of her career, but she admitted the magnitude of the moment has not fully sunk in yet. “I have not even realized it still because I was focusing on the match. Now, I'm focusing on the next match. After the whole tournament finishes, I guess I will have to look at the photos to believe all this.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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