Barbora Krejcikova will attempt to emulate her late mentor and friend Jana Novotna when she faces Jasmine Paolini in the women’s singles final at Wimbledon.
The 28-year-old Czech wiped away tears as she paid tribute to Novotna after making an incredible comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina in Thursday’s semi-final.
Novotna, Wimbledon champion in 1998, died from ovarian cancer in 2017 at the age of 49.
“I just miss her very much, I miss her so much,” said 31st seed Krejcikova after reaching her first Wimbledon women’s singles final.
“Definitely I remember thinking about Jana a lot. I have so many beautiful memories and when I step on the court here, I am fighting for every ball and I am sure that is what she would want me to do.”
Novotna lost in the Wimbledon final in 1993 and 1997 before triumphing in 1998 when she defeated France’s Nathalie Tauziat.
Krejcikova first met Novotna when her parents took her, aged 18, to the former world number two’s house to ask for advice.
Novotna saw something special and became her coach, mentor and friend until she died.
Now Krejcikova, who said she “never” believed she could reach a Wimbledon singles final, has the chance to follow in Novotna’s footsteps.
“A couple of years ago I was working with Jana,” Krejcikova added.
“I mean I was so far when we had this talk and now I am here. Wow, I am in a final!”
It is not the first time Krejcikova has spoken about the impact of Novotna on her career.
She pointed to the sky and said “she is looking after me from up there” after winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open in 2021.
Following Marketa Vondrousova’s surprising win at Wimbledon last year, Krejcikova can make it back-to-back titles for the Czech Republic if she defeats Italian seventh seed Paolini in Saturday’s final.
A two-time doubles champion at Wimbledon, Krejcikova’s chances of reaching a singles final looked slim when Rybakina raced to a 4-0 lead and took the first set.
But Krejcikova battled her way back into the tie, entertaining the crowd with slices and drop shots before sealing an emotional victory.
It is the first time she has reached a Grand Slam singles final since her success at Roland Garros three years ago.
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