As a result of her determination, Muchova will face Linda Noskova in an historic all-Czech Grand Slam final.
Both competitors will step onto Centre Court this Saturday at 16:00 BST, each seeking to secure their maiden major singles trophy.
Croft remarked: “I really respected Karolina Muchova’s courage; she truly deserved the victory, seizing the opportunity and going all out for it.”
Meanwhile, Gauff is left to come to terms with how a spot in her debut grass-court final at the All England Club slipped away.
“My heart goes out to Coco because she battled so hard, repeatedly keeping herself in it, only to fall short once she finally earned a match point,” Navratilova expressed.
“Both competitors produced exceptional tennis to reach the tie-break, but tension clearly affected them both in the closing moments before Muchova ultimately advanced.
“At that stage, you wished they could both be winners, but it was just incredible drama. Even as a spectator, my own heart was pounding.”
