Not 'something in the beer' - why Czechs are dominating Wimbledon

Published 7 minutes ago With Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova setting up an all-Czech women's final at Wimbledon, we've all been discussing what the secret to the country's success is. Noskova came on 6-love-6 - our BBC Radio 5 Live phone-in with John McEnroe - after her semi-final and joked it might be because there is something magic in Czech beer! That was music to John's ears - but once they stopped laughing she gave her real thoughts on why her nation has produced so much top talent. Either Noskova or Muchova will become the third Czech in four years to win the Wimbledon women's title, following Marketa Vondrousova in 2023 and Barbora Krejcikova in 2024. Both Noskova and Muchova referenced Petra Kvitova, who won in 2011 and 2014, as an inspiration. Going back a little further, Jana Novotna and Jan Kodes also won at the All England Club, and Czech-born Martina Navratilova claimed nine singles titles while representing the United States. Image source, BBC Sport Noskova feels she can be successful because she's seen so many other players from her country win majors. So, in her words, she feels like, 'why not me?'. It breeds this innate belief. The Czech players think it's the norm of what their system is in terms of everyone having the opportunity to pick up a racquet, regardless of their financial background or upbringing. There are tennis players everywhere, with so many former pros - whether they were top 100 or Grand Slam champions - staying within the sport to pass on their knowledge. It means the Czechs have this incredible base of coaches, who know what it takes to reach the top. Now either Noskova or Muchova will become their latest Grand Slam champion - and it will be a fascinating match of contrasting styles. How to follow Wimbledon women's final on the BBC Published 12 hours ago 6-love-6: John McEnroe meets Wimbledon finalist, Linda Noskova 'The whole match was the tie-break' - how rollercoaster semi-final unfolded Published 1 day ago The case for Muchova - experience and variety Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Karolina Muchova lost to Iga Swiatek in three sets in the Roland Garros showpiece Muchova has already played in a Grand Slam final - at the French Open in 2023 - and drawing on that experience could be a key factor on Saturday. While she lost to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros, she should be able to learn from what she could have handled better, particularly the emotions of what comes both before and during such a momentous occasion. I'm not the only fan of the sport to feel Muchova could have achieved so much more already in tennis, but her body has often let her down. The 29-year-old has suffered a number of serious injuries over the years, but her level continues to be so good when she is fit and able to play. Muchova is one of the most creative players on tour - playing with slice and craft - and I imagine she will add variety. But she is also a strong server and can hold her own in a fight for the baseline exchan