Jana Novotná

Jana Novotná was a Czech former professional tennis player who won the 1998 Wimbledon singles title after previously losing an emotional final in 1993.

Jana Novotná was born on 2 October 1968 in Brno, then part of Czechoslovakia, a country that had already produced tennis greats including Martina Navratilova and Hana Mandlíková. She turned professional in 1987, developing a graceful serve-and-volley game built around quick reflexes and delicate net play, a style increasingly rare as the sport shifted toward baseline power. Novotná reached the 1993 Wimbledon final against Steffi Graf and, leading 4-1 in the deciding set, suffered a dramatic collapse, losing ten consecutive points and the match. Unable to contain her emotions during the trophy ceremony, she cried on the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent, who comforted her by saying, "I know you will win it one day, don't worry" — a moment that became one of the most enduring and beloved images in Wimbledon's history. Novotná lost a second Wimbledon final to Martina Hingis in 1997 before finally fulfilling the Duchess's prediction in 1998, defeating Nathalie Tauziat in the final to win her only Grand Slam singles title at 29, then the oldest first-time major singles champion in the Open Era. She was again in tears at the ceremony, this time from joy, once more embraced by the same Duchess of Kent. Novotná was an even more prolific doubles player, winning 16 further Grand Slam titles in women's and mixed doubles, reaching the world No. 1 doubles ranking, and winning three Olympic medals. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005, and died of cancer on 19 November 2017, at age 49, prompting tributes from across the tennis world including Navratilova, who called her "a true friend and an amazing woman."

Novotná was known for her serve-and-volley style, excellent net play, and tactical intelligence on court. She possessed strong volleys and was particularly effective on grass courts, where her aggressive net-rushing game flourished. Her left-handed serve and natural instincts at the net made her a formidable doubles player throughout her career.

Novotná's success helped establish Czech Republic as a tennis powerhouse and inspired a generation of Czech players. Her gracious demeanor and sportsmanship, even in defeat, made her one of the most respected players of her era.

• Wimbledon 1998
• Fed Cup champion with Czechoslovakia (1988)