Linda Noskova has secured her place in her first major final at Wimbledon, delivering a composed performance to defeat Marta Kostyuk. The Czech player won with a score of 6-4, 6-4, concluding Kostyuk’s strong run in the tournament. This victory sets up an all-Czech final against Karolina Muchova, marking the first time two women from the same nation will compete in a Grand Slam final since the 2017 U.S. Open.
Noskova, at the age of 21, becomes the youngest finalist at Wimbledon since Jelena Ostapenko in 2018. Her journey to the final follows a successful grass-court season, including a title win at the Berlin Open. She expressed her focus on the upcoming final, stating that she typically processes her achievements after the tournament concludes.
Noskova’s assured performance
Throughout the match, Noskova maintained a high level of play, particularly with her serve. She faced only one break point during the entire afternoon, which occurred at 3-1 in the second set. Noskova capitalized on Kostyuk’s difficulties, securing three breaks of serve, including crucial moments when Kostyuk was serving to stay in both sets.
Kostyuk, who had been in strong form after reaching the French Open semi-finals and winning a significant number of her recent matches, acknowledged Noskova’s serving prowess. She described Noskova’s serve quality as exceptional, noting that she, as a strong returner, found it challenging to create break point opportunities.
The match saw both players settle quickly behind their serves in the early stages, with rallies being clean and opportunities for breaks being scarce. Eight games into the match, both players had won an equal number of points. The turning point in the first set came when Kostyuk, serving at 4-5, faltered, allowing Noskova to create three set points. Despite saving one, Kostyuk committed a double fault, handing the first set to Noskova.
Noskova’s serve continued to be a dominant factor, delivered with a consistent rhythm. She mentioned that she has been working on her serve for a couple of years, recognizing its importance on grass and hard courts. Her focus remained on her own service games, regardless of what happened during return games.
Road to the final
Noskova secured an early break in the second set, dictating play from the baseline with powerful shots that kept Kostyuk on the defensive. Her first serve consistently earned easy points. Kostyuk managed to earn and convert her first break point midway through the second set with a forehand winner, briefly shifting momentum.
However, Noskova quickly regained her composure, holding serve and continuing to pressure Kostyuk. In the final game, with Kostyuk serving at 5-4, two unforced errors from Kostyuk’s backhand gave Noskova two match points. Although Kostyuk saved the first with a forehand winner, another forehand sailed long on the second, sealing Noskova’s victory.
The upcoming final against Muchova will feature two players who are familiar with each other’s game, having even practiced together. Noskova expressed her excitement about playing her first final against Muchova, whom she described as a great fighter, an incredible player, and a good person. The final is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Noskova also shared her superstitious routines, which she plans to maintain, including specific morning rituals, lunch choices, and using the same bathroom and sink. She noted that she was not a keen tennis watcher as a child but remembered Petra Kvitova’s Wimbledon victories, which helped her realize the existence of the sport.
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Source: theguardian.com
