Pegula saves match point to beat Noskova and reach WTA Finals semifinals as Gauff exits

Jessica Pegula saved a match point to defeat Linda Noskova 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 7-5 at the WTA Finals, advancing to the semifinals and eliminating fellow American Coco Gauff from the season-ending championships.

Pegula advances

Pegula hit a career-high 16 aces while Noskova committed a career-high 15 double faults in a match that lasted two hours and 45 minutes. Noskova had already reached the semifinals, but Pegula's victory eliminated Gauff despite Gauff's 6-4, 7-5 win over Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk earlier.

Gauff, Pegula and Noskova all finished the group stage 2-1. Noskova went 5-2 in sets to win the group, followed by Pegula at 5-3 and Gauff at 4-3.

"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," Pegula told reporters. "I don't think I served that well in my first couple matches and I served great today. Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason."

Gauff beats Kostyuk but misses semifinals

Earlier, Gauff rallied to beat Kostyuk 6-4, 7-5 on Stadium Two at Indian Wells. Gauff rallied from 5-1 down in the second set, winning six consecutive games.

"I was fully prepared to play a third set there," said Gauff, who needed treatment on her back during the second set. "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."

Kostyuk joined the eight-player tournament as an alternate after world No 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew due to illness, but failed to win a set in her three matches as she struggled with a wrist injury.

Andreeva semifinal and hot-mic incident

The win sets up a semifinal between Pegula and 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva on Saturday. "It's the match people wanted, well now you are going to get it," Pegula said.

Pegula had called Andreeva "a diva" who "needs to be humbled" but did not realize her remarks were being livestreamed during a practice session before the tournament. In the same comments, Pegula also praised the world No 3, and she apologized afterward to those involved.

"She's fast, she has a great serve, she's strong, she hits the ball pretty hard and she's smart," Pegula said. "I'm going to do my best."

WTA chair Valerie Camillo later apologized to Pegula for the "regrettable" incident.

Noskova will face the winner of Friday's round-robin match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.

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Sources

• skysports.com: WTA Finals: Jessica Pegula saves match ‌point in stunning win over Linda Noskova to send Coco Gauff out and set up Mirra Andreeva clash | Tennis News | Sky Sports
• theguardian.com: Pegula saves match point to reach WTA Finals semi-finals as Gauff exits | WTA Finals | The Guardian

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.