“I’m really kind of shaking”: Karolina Muchova stunned after saving match point to reach Wimbledon final

Thursday, 09 July 2026 at 17:45

Karolina Muchova admitted she was still trying to process the emotions of reaching her first Wimbledon final after surviving a dramatic semi-final against Coco Gauff on Centre Court. The Czech player produced a remarkable comeback to defeat the American 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(10-12) in a match full of momentum swings and high-pressure moments.

Muchova appeared in control after taking the opening set, but Gauff responded strongly to force a deciding set. The final stage became a tense battle, with both players pushing each other to the limit before Muchova eventually prevailed in the deciding tie-break after saving a match point and taking advantage of a crucial late opportunity.

The victory completed another impressive Grand Slam run for Muchova, who reached her second major final after previously finishing runner-up at Roland Garros in 2023. The 29-year-old has now defeated three major champions during her Wimbledon campaign, overcoming Barbora Krejcikova, Naomi Osaka and Gauff on her way to Saturday’s final.

Speaking during her on-court interview, Muchova struggled to find the words to describe the intensity of the moment, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of a match that could have gone either way until the final points.

“It was such a big fight”: Muchova reflects on emotional Wimbledon breakthrough

Muchova explained that there was little time to think during the deciding moments of the match, with the balance constantly shifting between both players. After securing the biggest victory of her Wimbledon career, the Czech admitted she was still trying to understand what had happened on Centre Court.

“Thank you. First of all, it sounds really nice to be in the final. It was such a big fight," the world No. 9 said at press conference. "It was a rollercoaster. You’re up and down. In 10 seconds you have match point and you’re match point down. No time to think. But very nerve wracking."

"I don’t know. I don’t even know what I’m saying," she added. "I’m really kind of shaking and trying to sink it in. The atmosphere is indescribable. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us.”

Karolina Muchova at Wimbledon Centre Court. She will play her second Grand Slam final three years after her lost against Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros.

The match featured several dramatic changes in momentum, with Muchova dominating the first set before Gauff responded in the second. The American then had the opportunity to close out the contest in the deciding tie-break, but Muchova stayed composed during the crucial moments to complete the comeback.

The Czech player also addressed concerns after appearing to hold her side during the match, explaining that she was simply trying to recover physically during the intense battle. “Yeah I’m okay. I was just trying to catch a breath. I’m good. I’m good. Yeah, I’m good.”

Muchova embraces Centre Court experience after reaching Wimbledon final

The semi-final also marked Muchova’s first appearance as a player on Centre Court at Wimbledon. The Czech revealed that she had previously visited the iconic venue with her team before the match, but stepping onto the court for a Grand Slam semi-final was a completely different experience.

Muchova highlighted the history attached to Centre Court and explained how special it was to compete on one of tennis’ most famous stages. “There are so many of us tennis players. I don’t think many of us get the chance to play on this court."

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"It’s such a history of our sport. It’s incredible. Very special moment. We came here to warm up with Linda (Noskova) before the semis. We took a photo. It’s a nice moment to experience all of this. This court is beautiful.”

Muchova will now compete for her first Grand Slam title when she returns to Centre Court on Saturday. Her opponent will be either fellow Czech Linda Noskova or Ukrainian 12th seed Marta Kostyuk, as she looks to complete one of the most unexpected Wimbledon runs of the tournament.

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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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