Noskova converts all four break points to beat Kostyuk in WTA Finals opener
The Czech eighth seed was clinical on break points against the Ukrainian, who replaced world No. 1 Elena Rybakina, and earned her fifth Top 10 win of the season in Indian Wells.
Linda Noskova, 2026 | © mpi04/MediaPunch/Psnewz
Czech eighth seed Linda Noskova beat Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-4 in 1 hour 27 minutes in the opening match of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells on Sunday. Kostyuk had taken the place of world No. 1 Elena Rybakina, who withdrew on Saturday.
Noskova converted all four of her break points. Kostyuk landed only 38 per cent of her first serves and hit six double faults, according to official WTA statistics. She converted one of her four break points.
It was Noskova’s fifth win over a Top 10 player this season, which ties her best for a year, according to the WTA.
WTA Finals Group 1: provisional standings
| Player | Wins-losses | Sets | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Linda Noskova (CZE) | 1-0 | 2-0 | 12-6 |
| 2. Coco Gauff (USA) | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| 2. Jessica Pegula (USA) | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| 4. Marta Kostyuk (UKR) | 0-1 | 0-2 | 6-12 |
Gauff and Pegula were playing the other Group 1 match on Sunday. The top two reach the semi-finals on Saturday. Noskova will play Gauff and Pegula in her next two matches.
