How did Barbora Krejcikova’s idol Jana Novotna pass away?

Jana Novotna who passed away in 2017, won the women's Wimbledon singles title in 1998.

How did Barbora Krejcikova’s idol Jana Novotna pass away?

Jana Novotna (via Imago)

Jana Novotna is fondly remembered at the All-England Club, especially during this fortnight when her student, Barbora Krejcikova, won her first Wimbledon singles title. Novotna passed away over six years ago in 2017, as confirmed by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) back then.

Novotna kept her ovarian cancer diagnosis private, sharing it only with her closest friends and family. She lived in Florida until 2010, then moved back to the Czech Republic. In the village of Omice, near Brno, she settled with her partner, former Polish tennis player Iwona Kuczynska.

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Fans were moved when Novotna cried after losing to Steffi Graf in the 1993 Wimbledon final, comforted by the Duchess of Kent. She lost the Wimbledon finals in 1993 and 1997 but triumphed in 1998, defeating Nathalie Tauziat to win her only singles Grand Slam.

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Besides her singles win, Novotna won 12 Grand Slam doubles titles and 4 in mixed doubles. Her legacy in tennis is cherished by many.

Barbora Krejcikova remembers Jana Novotna after winning Wimbledon

Jana Novotna‘s memory has been a big part of Barbora Krejcikova‘s journey to her Wimbledon title. When Krejcikova was 18, she and her parents visited Novotna’s home to seek her guidance.

Barbora Krejcikova and Jana Novotna
Barbora Krejcikova and Jana Novotna (via Imago)
That day, knocking on her door, it changed my life. She was the one who told me I had the potential and I should definitely turn pro. Before she passed away she told me I can win a Slam. I achieved that in Paris in 2021 and it was an unbelievable moment for me and I never really dreamed I would win the same trophy as Jana did in 1998.
Barbora Krejcikova said in her post-tournament interview

The 28-year-old preferred staying at the house where Novotna used to stay during Wimbledon. Hence, she avoided hotels for a more relaxed atmosphere. Both Novotna and Krejcikova’s names are now on the women’s champions board at Wimbledon. This sight moved Krejcikova to tears as she held her trophy.

Well, the only thing that was going through my head was that I miss Jana a lot. It was just very, very emotional. Very emotional moment to see me on a board right next to here. I think she would be proud. I think she would be really excited that I'm on a same board as she is because Wimbledon was super special for her.
Barbora Krejcikova added

Krejcikova’s childhood dream was not to win Wimbledon but the French Open. She wrote this goal in a notebook when she was 12 years old. So the fact that she has done more than she imagined would motivate her to achieve further heights.

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