Muchova edges Gauff to reach Wimbledon final for first time

Karolina Muchova brushed aside Coco Gauff, saving a match point to topple the American in a 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10) thriller and keep alive hopes of setting up an all-Czech Wimbledon final at a Grand Slam for the first time.

With compatriot Linda Noskova facing Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in Thursday's second semifinal, Muchova's move to Saturday's final meant there could be a third Czech in four years holding the Venus Rosewater Dish, following the triumphs of Marketa Vondrousova in 2023 and Barbora Krejcikova in 2024.

While spectators struggled to cope with the furnace-like atmosphere on Centre Court, Muchova shone brightly as she broke Gauff in the third and fifth games, with the American surrendering her serve for the second time when she sent a wayward forehand into the back hoardings.

A 111 mph ace sealed the set for Muchova.

The American seventh seed finally converted her ninth break-point after failing to find a breakthrough in the first eight, taking a 3-1 lead.

She went ahead 5-1, after another break sent her mother into raptures in the player's box and one game later, it was all level.

After winning one set each, in the decider, both players showed great fight, producing ferocious forehands and breathtaking backhands.

Gauff had two opportunities to break for a 5-4 lead but 10th seed Muchova saved both and took control of the match.

She played her best tennis in a nerve-jangling match tiebreak, including a diving volley and also lobbed Gauff to earn her first match point.

She missed that chance, but made no mistake on the second and held her arms aloft in victory after watching the American dump a forehand into the net to end the 2-hour 35-minute thriller.