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

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.

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.

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 exchanges - like she did against Coco Gauff in the semi-finals.

You could see Gauff ramp up the aggression in set two but, instead of retreating, Muchova managed to play even more shots inside the baseline in the third set.

That was interesting to see unfold and it showed she's not going to back down against somebody trying to attack her.

Muchova takes it right back to them - and it is likely she will need to do that against the big-hitting Noskova.

Noskova has long been seen as a future star who could challenge for Grand Slam titles, having become the youngest player inside the top 100 in 2022.

It has taken the 21-year-old a little time to find consistency at the Slams, but this fortnight she has shown she has a game which relies on pure power.

When you stand next to Linda, she is actually taller than you would expect from seeing her on television, as she stands at 5ft 10in.

She has a massive serve and a really heavy ball, which comes from the natural power through her long levers.

She can also combine that with a lovely drop shot. She has a great touch and feel.

But it's not only about the power - that drop shot she's got leaves opponents not knowing what's coming next.

Madison Keys, who Noskova beat in the fourth round, explained that when Linda has a time on a ball, you don't know whether she's going to absolutely smack it - so you move back behind the baseline - or pull out a drop shot.

You can't defend both.

Against Muchova, Noskova will want to play on her terms and feel like she has control of the situation.

Her serve is going to be key to allow her to do that.

The other interesting element to the final is the fact the players know each other so well.

While they have only played against each other once on the WTA Tour, Noskova and Muchova have practised together many times - including on Centre Court before their semi-final matches - and were doubles partners at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Because there are so many Czech players, I don't think this familiarity is something they'll be distracted by.

It is not unusual for either of them to play someone from their country, but, of course, they will know each other's game inside out.

And, because of that, each of them will have a really clear tactical approach of how to win.

Regardless, I'm sure they'll put their friendship to one side and feel extremely proud that it's an all-Czech final.

And whoever executes their gameplan the best will lift the trophy. May the best woman win!

Naomi Broady was speaking to BBC Sport's Jonathan Jurejko at Wimbledon.