Noskova Reaches First WTA 1000 Semifinal, Pegula Advances at China Open

Jessica Pegula recovered from an initial setback to triumph over her fellow American, Emma Navarro, with a score of 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-1 on Friday. This victory propels her into the China Open semifinals, where she is slated to compete against Czech player Linda Noskova.

Earlier on Friday, the 26th-seeded Noskova defeated unseeded British player Sonay Kartal 6-3, 6-4, securing her inaugural spot in the final four of a WTA 1000 tournament.

Pegula, currently ranked seventh globally, obtained an early advantage in the first set; however, Navarro defended against three set points, ultimately tying the score at 5-5 before succeeding in the tiebreak.

Nevertheless, Pegula, a former US Open finalist, maintained composure and asserted dominance in the subsequent two sets, marking her third consecutive victory over Navarro.

“She competed fiercely, while I felt I maintained appropriate gameplay,” Pegula commented.

“I focused on avoiding undue frustration, which facilitated more liberated play.”

Noskova’s triumph over Kartal positions her as the third player, born in or after 2004, to have achieved 10 semifinal appearances on the WTA circuit, joining Coco Gauff and Diana Shnaider.

The 20-year-old is projected to enter the top 20 when the updated WTA rankings are released on Monday.

Noskova initiated strongly, securing an early break against Kartal to establish a 3-1 lead in the opening set. Kartal, having previously upset Russian fourth seed Mirra Andreeva, retaliated to equalize at 3-3. However, Noskova regained command, converting her third break point and concluding the set.

The second set was more closely contested, with Kartal breaking Noskova’s serve to gain a 2-0 advantage. Yet, the Czech player responded emphatically, securing the victory in one hour and ten minutes.

Noskova is scheduled to face Pegula on Saturday, following the initial semi-final match between American compatriots Gauff and Amanda Anisimova.