Novotna retired the following season, and at one point in her post-playing days, took on the role of mentor and coach to a young countrywoman, Barbora Krejcikova, who was about to embark upon a professional career.
Tragically, Novotna passed away before seeing her protégé become a force in the women’s game, one that excelled in doubles first before making her mark in singles—similar to her own path. After capturing multiple majors in doubles and reaching the top spot in that discipline, Krejcikova made a career-changing breakthrough when she won the 2021 French Open singles title as an unseeded player.
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Since then, more Grand Slam titles in doubles, as well as an Olympic gold medal, had been won among multiple stints in the top 10 of the singles rankings. Entering Wimbledon this year, though, Krejcikova had shown few signs of being a contender for the singles title. A two-time champion in doubles, her best result without a partner was a fourth-round showing in 2021.
Seeded No. 31, Krejcikova barely escaped her first-round match before winning her next four in straight sets, which included back-to-back victories against top-15 seeds Danielle Collins and Jelena Ostapenko. In the semifinals, she faced Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who, at that point in the tournament, was the heavy favorite. Krejcikova prevailed in three sets to reach her second career Grand Slam singles final.
