Now Krejcikova, who said she "never" believed she could reach a Wimbledon singles final, has the chance to follow in Novotna's footsteps.

"A couple of years ago I was working with Jana," Krejcikova added.

"I mean I was so far when we had this talk and now I am here. Wow, I am in a final!"

It is not the first time Krejcikova has spoken about the impact of Novotna on her career.

She pointed to the sky and said "she is looking after me from up there" after winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open in 2021.

Following Marketa Vondrousova's surprising win at Wimbledon last year, Krejcikova can make it back-to-back titles for the Czech Republic if she defeats Italian seventh seed Paolini in Saturday's final.

A two-time doubles champion at Wimbledon, Krejcikova's chances of reaching a singles final looked slim when Rybakina raced to a 4-0 lead and took the first set.

But Krejcikova battled her way back into the tie, entertaining the crowd with slices and drop shots before sealing an emotional victory.

It is the first time she has reached a Grand Slam singles final since her success at Roland Garros three years ago.