Memories of these events are helping Krejcikova thrive this fortnight at the All England Club.
“A couple of years ago I was working with Jana Novotna, she won it here in 1998. And it was at that point she was telling me a lot of stories about her journeys here and how she was trying to win Wimbledon,” Krejcikova said on court.
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“I was so far (away from this myself) when we had this talk, and I mean now I’m here, and wow, I’m in the finals.
“Definitely (she is my inspiration). I remember thinking about Jana a lot, I have so many beautiful memories, and when I step on the court here, I’m just fighting for every single ball, because that’s what I think she would want me to do.”
Suddenly overcome with emotion, she added: “I just miss her very much. I miss her so much.”
Krejcikova’s success also continues a long-running Czech love affair with Wimbledon.
She is the seventh Czech woman to make the women’s singles final in the Open era, while three men – Jan Kodes, Ivan Lendl and Tomas Berdych – have also been singles finalists.
This, along with Novotna’s story, is another wellspring of inspiration for her.
“We have a huge tennis history in Czech Republic at Wimbledon, but also at any other majors. I mean, when I was growing up, I had a lot of players that I could look up to,” Krejcikova said.
“It’s great that right now I’m also a Slam champion and I’m in a final of Wimbledon.