Early leads in both sets
Linda Noskova defeated Coco Gauff 6–3, 6–3 in 75 minutes at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells on November 10 local time. The Czech improved to 2–0 in Group 1 on her tournament debut and became the first player to secure a singles semifinal berth this year.
Noskova built a 4–1 lead in each set. She broke Gauff four times in the opener and five times overall, converting five of nine break points. On Gauff’s second serve she won 18 of 24 points, a return success rate of 75%.
Those figures show how she maintained her advantage. Gauff could also apply pressure in Noskova’s service games, but repeatedly losing her own serve made it difficult to sustain a recovery. Noskova ultimately closed both sets by the same score.
Gauff faces a decisive final group match
Gauff said she wished she had served better at the start, believing that could have helped her put more pressure on return. She noted that Noskova often secured a break first, making it easier to serve with a lead, especially for a player with a strong serve of her own.
Noskova has won both meetings with Gauff this season, levelling their career head-to-head at 2–2. She said she initially did not realise she had qualified, having already turned her attention to Jessica Pegula two days later. Qualification has not changed her wish to keep winning.
On November 12 local time, Noskova will face Pegula, whom she has beaten in three of their four meetings. Gauff plays Marta Kostyuk needing a victory to advance. Gauff has won four of their previous six encounters.
