The four Wimbledon women's singles semi-finalists have had a complicated relationship with grass courts - but they have cracked the code this year.
New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Coco Gauff, by her own admission, has never had the "best relationship" with grass courts.
Marta Kostyuk, another Wimbledon semi-finalist, called her relationship with the surface "complicated". The challenges that both players have faced on grass highlight the unique nature of this surface, which is often considered the most traditional and prestigious in . Grass courts require a different skill set compared to hard and clay surfaces, where players typically have more time to set up their shots. The speed of the grass, coupled with its unpredictable bounces, can make it a daunting challenge for many players, even those with considerable talent.
Czech pair Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova - the respective opponents of American two-time major champion Gauff and Ukraine's Kostyuk in Thursday's last-four matches - have also encountered problems. Their experiences underscore the notion that success on grass is not merely about talent; it often requires a deep understanding of the surface and the ability to adapt one's game accordingly.
But everything has clicked into place for the SW19 semi-finalists this fortnight, meaning a first-time Wimbledon women's champion is guaranteed on Saturday. This milestone is significant not just for the players involved but also for the broader narrative of women's , which continues to evolve and showcase new talent. The prospect of a first-time champion adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the tournament, reflecting the competitive nature of the women's game today.
"Coco is the only one who has won a major - but I'm not committing to saying she's the favourite," said American former world number one Tracy Austin. Austin's comments reflect the nuanced dynamics of the tournament, where experience and past achievements can play a role in shaping perceptions of a player's chances. However, as history has shown, the unpredictability of means that anything can happen on the day.
"It will be interesting to see how all four manage this with so much on the line," she added. The pressure of a semi-final match, especially in a Grand Slam setting, can be immense. Players must navigate not only their opponents but also their emotions and the expectations that come with competing at such a high level.
Gauff, 22, has won Grand Slam titles on the US Open hard courts in 2023 and the French Open clay in 2025 - but has never found the same level of confidence on grass. Her journey on grass has been marked by ups and downs, with her breakthrough coming at Wimbledon in 2019, when she captured the attention of the world by defeating one of her idols, Venus Williams, in a stunning upset. However, despite that early promise, Gauff struggled to find her footing on grass in subsequent years.
Until this year, the American had not won a match on a grass court for two years, a statistic that highlights the difficulty she has faced on this surface. Gauff's exceptional athleticism and speed around the court are assets, but her footwork has sometimes hindered her ability to set up shots effectively from the baseline. The transition from the slower clay courts to the faster grass courts can be particularly challenging, requiring players to adjust their timing and shot selection.
Her serve has often been fragile, leading to numerous double faults, and her forehand has also been liable to falter in crucial moments. These inconsistencies can be magnified on grass, where precision and timing are paramount. Recognizing the need for improvement, Gauff made a strategic decision last year to hire biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who had previously helped Aryna Sabalenka overcome similar serving issues before achieving major success.
"I have really honed in on my game and realised I don't have to play a spectacular point every time to win," said Gauff. This realization speaks to the mental aspect of , where players often put undue pressure on themselves to perform flawlessly. Gauff's newfound understanding of her game has allowed her to focus on executing her strengths rather than striving for perfection.
"I think it [the breakthrough] is just trusting myself. My groundstrokes are good enough to be with anyone on this surface," she added. Confidence is a critical factor in s, and Gauff's ability to trust in her skills may be a key element in her success this tournament.
Muchova, 29, is also a first-time semi-finalist at the All England Club, having not won a single match here since 2021. Her journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, including a series of injuries that have hindered her progress. Over the past six seasons, Muchova has reached the semi-finals at the other three majors but had suffered four successive first-round exits at Wimbledon, highlighting the difficulty she has faced in translating her talent into success on grass.
Muchova is known for her creativity and variety on the court, attributes that can be advantageous on grass, which rewards players who can mix up their game and keep opponents guessing. However, the key issue for Muchova has been staying fit. A wrist injury sidelined her for 10 months last season, and she was once advised by a doctor to stop playing due to the physical toll of the .
"I'm appreciating more that I'm here, I can play, I don't have these big issues that I had in the past," said Muchova. This perspective reflects a growing maturity and understanding of the , as athletes often learn to value their health and well-being alongside their competitive ambitions. Muchova's ability to stay injury-free has allowed her to showcase her talent and make a deep run in the tournament.
"I'm also happy that I now am selling my game and I can use it," she added. This statement captures the essence of what it means to compete at a high level: being able to express one's game and play with freedom, which can lead to success.
Kostyuk was one of the leading players in the clay-court swing, claiming two successive titles before reaching the French Open semi-finals. Her success on clay demonstrates her ability to adapt to different surfaces, but her relationship with grass has been more tumultuous. The 24-year-old did not play a tournament before Wimbledon, instead returning home to Ukraine and having a holiday in Greece. This break may have been beneficial for her mental health and allowed her to recharge ahead of the demanding grass-court season.
While she expressed optimism about transferring her clay form to the grass, Kostyuk had not won on the surface for two years going into this year's championships. Her previous struggles on grass have been a source of frustration, leading her to describe her relationship with the surface as "really complicated."
"I feel like a lot of years that I played here, I played horrendous," Kostyuk said. This candid admission highlights the mental challenges that athletes face, particularly when they have a history of poor performances on a particular surface. The pressure to perform well can exacerbate these feelings, making it even more difficult to find success.
Kostyuk still was not convinced when she arrived in London almost three weeks ago. Losing practice sets to 44-year-old Serena Williams and Jessica Pegula did not swell her confidence, but the words of coach Sandra Zaniewska provided a much-needed boost. "I turned to Sandra and said: 'Can you please tell me, honestly, right now, if you think that grass suits my game?' She said: '100%'," Kostyuk recalled. This affirmation from her coach was pivotal in shifting her mindset, providing her with a sense of belief as she prepared for the tournament.
Noskova has long been seen as a future star who could challenge for Grand Slam titles. Her rise through the ranks has been closely monitored, and her potential has been recognized by many within the community. She was a highly-rated junior who became the youngest player inside the top 100 in 2022, a significant achievement that speaks to her talent and work ethic.
A run to the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2024 further underlined her capabilities, but consistent runs at the majors have been rare, highlighting the challenges young players face as they transition to the professional circuit. "She's only 21 but she has gone under the radar - that's because she hasn't gone deep in majors," Austin noted. This observation reflects the often-overlooked journeys of young players, who may take time to find their footing in the competitive landscape of professional .
Noskova did reach the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, an encouraging sign that she was beginning to find her rhythm on grass. Setting herself up for another strong performance this year, she won the Berlin title, which likely bolstered her confidence heading into Wimbledon. "I feel like I started to feel comfortable on grass last year," she said. This statement illustrates the importance of experience in ; players often improve as they gain more exposure to different surfaces and conditions.
"It was just me looking forward to the next year on the grass season. It's good that I'm looking forward for something. Then you feel comfy on court," Noskova added. The mental aspect of feeling comfortable on court can significantly impact a player's performance, allowing them to play with freedom and confidence. As the semi-finals approach, the experiences and insights of these players will undoubtedly shape the narrative of this year's Wimbledon, as they each strive to leave their mark on this prestigious tournament.
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