TENNIS - The absolute dominance of Czech female tennis players at this year's Wimbledon has sparked a wide range of reactions in the sports world. In particular, the British press is extensively analyzing how players from such a small country are managing to conquer the most prestigious tournament in the world. There are also sharp criticisms and accusations against the training of British female tennis players, whose lack of success sharply contrasts with Linda Nosková's final victory over Karolína Muchová.
"How must officials who run tennis in Great Britain and the United States now be seething," wrote the British newspaper Daily Mail after Saturday's spectacular final held under Czech management, from which 21-year-old Nosková emerged as the new Wimbledon champion. Incidentally, she is the third Czech woman in the last four years to take home a replica of the Venus Rosewater Dish trophy, following Markéta Vondroušová and Barbora Krejčíková.
"The Czech success is an embarrassment for so-called major tennis nations that throw huge amounts of money and wild cards at the problem, only to get knocked out in the first rounds. Arthur Ferry may have brought some joy in men's singles this year, but British women have once again performed miserably. Again," further criticized Daily Mail. The newspaper also urges that building a few more tennis courts would certainly help, but for the rise of British tennis, it is necessary to have quality training centers, internal motivation, and role models that inspire people to achieve excellence.
Former "Queen" (not only) of grass courts, Martina Navrátilová, offered her perspective on the roots of the unique Czech success in an interview for BBC. "There are tennis clubs all over the Czech Republic; you can find two, three, or four clay courts in every small town, and today there are also many more quality coaches. There are a lot of tournaments held here. When children come to a club, they don't just hit balls around; they play entire sets. They learn to compete in both singles and doubles, which makes you a better tennis player," said one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
"Nosková believes that she can be successful because she has seen so many players from her country win Grand Slam tournaments. As she herself says: "Why couldn't I do it too?" This creates a natural belief that success is normal. Czech players grow up in a system where everyone, regardless of financial background or family circumstances, has the opportunity to pick up a racket," Broadyová said.
"Tennis players are literally everywhere in the Czech Republic, and many of them are former professionals. Whether they are players from the top 100 in the world or Grand Slam champions, they stay involved in tennis and pass on their experience. Thanks to this, the Czechs have an exceptionally strong base of coaches who know exactly what it takes to get a player to the top," she added.