Jessica Pegula demonstrated resilience on Thursday night at the season‑ending WTA Finals, saving a match point and winning the final three games to defeat Linda Noskova 7‑6 (2), 4‑6, 7‑5 in their Group 1 round‑robin match. The victory secured Pegula a spot in the semifinals of the $10 million event, which was relocated to the Southern California desert after being moved from Saudi Arabia because of the Iran war in the Middle East.
Noskova, a Wimbledon champion, had already clinched a semifinal berth earlier in the tournament. She led 5‑4 and held a match point on Pegula’s serve in the third set, but Pegula’s powerful serve saved her, and she went on to fire a career‑high 16 aces, including one that tied the set at 5‑all.
“I feel like no one’s really given me credit for that stat,” Pegula said after the match. “I’ve turned it around this year.” She broke Noskova in the next game and closed out the match when a net cord fell back on Noskova’s side on Pegula’s first match point.
Gauff’s earlier win and exit
Coco Gauff, Pegula’s former doubles partner, was knocked out of the tournament by the result. Earlier in the evening, Gauff rallied to win the final six games and beat Marta Kostyuk 6‑4, 7‑5, a match that turned out to be her final of the year. Gauff overcame serving issues and a brief back‑massage session, noting that a painkiller was beginning to take effect.
“I think it’s kicking in now,” Gauff laughed afterward. “So I feel good.” She also mentioned preparing for a possible third set during the match.
Kostyuk’s struggle
Marta Kostyuk, the 24‑year‑old Ukrainian who entered the Finals as the first alternate after Elena Rybakina withdrew due to illness, fought through a painful wrist injury. She admitted she could not serve effectively toward the end of the match, but still managed to push Gauff to a comeback.
“I couldn’t really serve anymore,” Kostyuk said. “I was like, ‘I have to finish this match because it’s just not fair, like for everyone, if I would just stop here right now.’”
Gauff ultimately prevailed, breaking twice to tie the set at 5‑5, then holding a 6‑5 lead and sealing the win with a netted forehand from Kostyuk.
The WTA Finals continue Thursday with the semifinals set, featuring Pegula’s next opponent and the remaining qualifiers.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
