Pegula Saves Match Point to Beat Noskova and Reach WTA Finals Semi-Finals

Jessica Pegula produced a determined performance to save a match point and defeat Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, securing her place in the semi-finals of the 2026 WTA Finals at the expense of Coco Gauff.

The American knew she needed a victory over Noskova to advance after Gauff defeated Marta Kostyuk earlier on Thursday. Pegula responded with a resilient display, recovering from a difficult position to claim a 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 7-5 victory.

Pegula Shows Mental Strength to Progress

Noskova took a break advantage in the deciding set and moved within one point of victory at 5-4 on Pegula's serve. However, the Czech player failed to convert her match point, allowing Pegula to fight her way back and secure the win.

Pegula delivered an outstanding serving performance, recording 16 aces, the highest number she has produced in a WTA Tour match. She also returned effectively to disrupt Noskova's rhythm.

Noskova, meanwhile, struggled with her serve, recording 15 double faults against nine aces.

Reflecting on her performance, Pegula said managing the ups and downs of her serve was an important part of the game.

“I've learned that sometimes the serve feels good and sometimes it doesn't, and how to manage the days when it doesn't and to ride it when you are serving well,” she said.

Noskova had already secured her semi-final place before the match and will face either Elina Svitolina or Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday. Pegula will meet French Open champion Mirra Andreeva for the first time.

The upcoming meeting also comes after the Women's Tennis Association chair apologised to Pegula over private comments about Andreeva that were inadvertently broadcast during a practice session.

Reacting to the prospect of facing Andreeva, Pegula told reporters: “It's the match people wanted, well now you are going to get it.”

Gauff Finishes Campaign with Victory Over Kostyuk

Earlier, Coco Gauff ended her tournament with a hard-fought 6-4 7-5 victory over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, despite struggling with a lower-back injury.

The American received treatment midway through the match and soon found herself trailing 5-1 in the second set. However, she mounted an impressive comeback, winning six consecutive games to close out the contest in straight sets.

Gauff, who is ranked fourth in the world, described the match as a mental challenge because of her physical discomfort.

“Physically, I wasn't at my best, which I'm not really used to. It was like a mental challenge, learning how to play through that,” she said.

The 22-year-old also struggled with her serve, recording nine double faults and just one ace. She explained that the pain made it difficult to complete her serving motion comfortably.

Kostyuk also received treatment for a wrist injury that had troubled her since August. The Ukrainian entered the tournament as a late replacement for Elena Rybakina, who withdrew.

Gauff had previously recovered from a 5-1 deficit to defeat Pegula on Sunday, but admitted she did not expect to repeat the comeback against Kostyuk.

Despite her physical struggles, Gauff said she wanted to end her season on a positive note and give herself the best possible chance of reaching the semi-finals.

“It's the last tournament of the season so I just wanted to finish it on a high note and give myself the best chance to play the semi-finals. Either way, I didn't want to be sad walking off the court,” she said.

BBC Sport