Jana Novotna’s Wimbledon victory in 1998 stands as one of the most emotional and memorable Grand Slam moments in tennis history. The Czech star enjoyed a decorated career, lifting 100 titles, 76 in doubles and 24 in singles, including 12 Grand Slam doubles crowns. But for many, she was long defined by a heartbreaking loss at the All England Club in 1993, and the emotional win that followed five years later.
Novotna turned professional in February 1987 and quickly made her mark with an elegant serve-and-volley game that was rare and stood out in the women’s game. By 1990, she had cracked the top 15, and in 1991, she reached her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open, losing to Monica Seles after notching wins over Steffi Graf and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.
That was the first of four major singles finals she would reach. But none were as unforgettable as Wimbledon in 1993. “If I could do it again I would – all of it – except I would win Wimbledon three times this time around,” she once said.
The 1993 Wimbledon loss
En route to the final, Novotna defeated both Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova. In the title match, she led Steffi Graf 4-1 in the third set and held a point for 5-1. Then came a double fault, and a sudden collapse. Graf rallied to win 7-6, 1-6, 6-4.
Novotna and the Duchess of Kent (Getty Images)
Novotna, devastated, wept on the Duchess of Kent’s shoulder during the trophy ceremony, which is one of the most remembered images in the history of Wimbledon. “I know you will win it one day, don’t worry,” the Duchess whispered to her.
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Years later, Novotna reflected on that loss not as a failure, but a turning point. “It wouldn’t sound great to say the 1993 final was the one I was most proud of because I lost the match when I was ahead,” she told Wimbledon, as cited in a 2018 article. “But it meant so much for me and maybe it made me a better player, a better person and maybe that match helped me to accomplish a lot more in my career.”
A long-awaited triumph
Novotna came close again in 1997, reaching the final but falling to Martina Hingis in three sets. By then, she had developed into a more complete player, but still couldn’t convert the big moment into victory.
Then came 1998. After beating Hingis in the semifinals, Novotna entered the final as the favorite against France’s Nathalie Tauziat. Just weeks away from turning 30, she held her nerve, winning 6-4, 7-6 and clinching the tiebreak 7-2. She was the oldest first time Grand Slam champion in the Open Era until 2010.
Novotna celebrates her Wimbledon victory (Getty Images)
It was a full-circle moment, not just for Novotná but for everyone who had watched her journey. Once again, she stood beside the Duchess of Kentthis time holding the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Doubles success and post-retirement life
While her singles journey is the most famous chapter, Novotna was also one of the greatest doubles players of her era. She won 12 major titles and completed a double career Grand Slam in doubles, partnering with some of the best players of the 1990s.
She retired from professional tennis at the end of 1999, having reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals one last time. She continued to be a regular presence at the tournament, playing in the Invitation Doubles and working as a BBC commentator.
Martina Navratilova (R) and Jana Novotna celebrate winning the Ladies Invitational Doubles Final (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In 2005, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Later, she turned to coaching, mentoring future French Open and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Novotna lived in Florida until 2010, then moved back to the Czech Republic with her partner, former Polish tennis player Iwona Kuczyńska. They settled in the village of Omice, near her hometown of Brno.
She died of cancer on November 19, 2017, at age 49. She had kept her diagnosis private, sharing the news only with those closest to her. Her death prompted a wave of tributes from across the tennis world, who remembered not only a champion, but a player who inspired generations.
