John McEnroe has questioned Karolina Muchova’s tactics following Linda Noskova’s stunning victory in Eastbourne on 18 June.
What happened in Eastbourne?
Noskova, ranked 32, stunned Muchova 6-4, 6-4 to reach the Eastbourne International quarter-finals. The Czech’s aggressive serve-and-volley approach unsettled the world No. 10, who struggled to break serve. Noskova fired 11 aces and won 80% of first-serve points, while Muchova saved just 5 of 15 break points faced.
Why it matters for John McEnroe
McEnroe, a four-time Eastbourne winner and 17-time Grand Slam champion, has long championed serve-and-volley play. He praised Noskova’s “gutsy” net game and slammed Muchova’s “overly passive” baseline strategy. “She’s got the tools to attack more,” McEnroe told Eurosport. “If you’re not going for your shots, you’re handing Noskova the match.”
What comes next for Noskova?
Noskova will face either Madison Keys or Camila Giorgi in the last eight. A win would set up a clash with either Ons Jabeur or Emma Raducanu. The 22-year-old has already beaten two top-20 players this week, including former US Open champ Sloane Stephens. Her coach, Petr Korda, said: “Linda’s timing is electric—she’s ready for anyone.”
How Muchova reacts now
Muchova, chasing her first grass-court title, admitted her game plan “didn’t work.” She hit just 48% first serves in and made 23 unforced errors. “I need to adjust,” she said. “Eastbourne is a fast surface—I can’t just rally from the baseline.”