The four women's singles semi-finalists at Wimbledon 2026 — Coco Gauff, Marta Kostyuk, Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova — have all reached the last four despite each having a historically difficult relationship with grass, meaning a first-time Wimbledon women's champion is guaranteed on Saturday. The article explores how each player has finally adapted to the surface, with former world number one Tracy Austin noting that although Gauff is the only one to have won a Grand Slam, she is not necessarily the favourite.

American Gauff, 22, a US Open and French Open champion, credits biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan and a decision to stop chasing "spectacular" points for fixing her fragile serve and footwork. Czech Muchova, 29, a first-time semi-finalist here after four successive first-round exits, points to regained fitness following a wrist injury that once threatened her career. Ukraine's Kostyuk, 24, arriving off a strong clay-court swing, drew confidence from an "honest" chat with coach Sandra Zaniewska, while Czech Noskova, 21, says growing maturity and a Berlin title win have made her feel "comfy" on grass.