Serena Williams’ Coach Explains What Change Linda Noskova Needs in Her Game to Reach No.1 Ranking

Linda Noskova scripted history at Wimbledon. With her win over countrywoman Karolina Muchova, Noskova became the third Czech woman in four years to win the title at SW19 following Marketa Vondrousova (2023) and Barbora Krejcikova (2024).

Her victory saw her reach her career-best No.7 in the rankings table. But she has it in her to reach the top of the rankings table, believes Rennae Stubbs, who joined Serena Williams‘ coaching team following her comeback to the tour after four years. There is, however, one area where Noskova needs improvement: her serve.

There are a lot of people who think she can get to No 1 in the world. I definitely think she can be top three. To get to No 1 in the world, you’ve got to be really consistent all the time. Do I think she has the capability to do that? Yes, I do. I think her serve is still a bit vulnerable, her second serve in particular.

Rennae Stubbs said on her The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast

During the final, Noskova smashed 10 aces to Muchova’s six. While Muchova hit one double fault, Noskova’s tally was four.

I don’t know how she can change the service motion so much anymore. She’s 21 going on 22. But that would be an area that can get even better and bigger. If that does happen, I do think she can get to No 1 in the world because she does everything really well. She has an amazing disposition on the court.

Rennae Stubbs added

The win helped Noskova improve her head-to-head record over her countrywoman to 1-1. Prior to Wimbledon, they met in the third round of last year’s US Open, which Muchova won.

Muchova made the final of a Major for the second time in her career after the 2023 French Open, which she lost to six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. Noskova, however, had played just one Grand Slam quarterfinal before Wimbledon, at the 2024 Australian Open.

Linda Noskova’s father on her Wimbledon success

Linda Noskova‘s dad, Drahos Nosek, following her Wimbledon triumph, revealed a lot of details about the tennis ace and the family’s struggles when she was a child. Nosek has no doubt about her daughter’s ability to handle all the attention she has been receiving after her win.

She’ll handle it. She’s not the type who would immediately think she’s a world champion. She’s got it all together in her head. She’s planning another big non-tennis event in the fall. Maybe she wants to jump off a tower, help in Africa, or something… I like that, she has a great perspective.

Drahos Nosek told iSport

Noskova will not be competing at the Citi Open, but instead will play at the Canadian Open, the main draw of which is set to start on August 1.

The Czech ace made her debut in the tournament last year and suffered an opening-round exit, losing to Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets. The 21-year-old has so far made one final in the WTA 1000 tournament. She reached the stage in last year’s China Open, losing the match to two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova.

This year in the WTA 1000 events, Noskova made one semifinal, in the Indian Wells Open, losing the match to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Last year in Montreal, home favorite Victoria Mboko defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final.

This year’s Canadian Open will be held in Montreal. After the Canadian Open, Noskova will participate in the Cincinnati Open, where she has played three times, with her best performance a third-round appearance in 2023. Following the two WTA 1000s, the focus of the tennis world will shift toward the US Open, where Noskova reached the third round last year.

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