Krejcikova's tears at the memory of Novotna, who died in 2017
An emotional moment on Centre Court as Barbora Krejcikova was interviewed after her semi-final win over Elena Rybakina. The Czech couldn't hold back her tears at the mention of the woman who coached her from 2014 to 2017, Jana Novotna, Wimbledon singles winner in 1998 and who died of cancer in 2017. She often spoke of the strong bond she had with the former world No. 1.
Barbora Krejcikova: "I never dreamed I'd play in the Wimbledon final. I never did. A few years ago, I worked with Jana Novotna. She won here in 1998. She used to tell me lots of stories about Wimbledon and how she was trying to win the tournament. And I was so far away (from imagining that) when we had those conversations. And now I'm here and... wow, I'm in the final. Wow!
I think a lot about Jana, with whom I have so many good memories. She's my inspiration. And when I'm on the court here, I fight for every ball, because I think that's what she'd want me to do (tears)... I just miss her so much, I miss her so much."
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