Nine straight points establish the lead
Jessica Pegula defeated Marta Kostyuk 6–2, 7–5 in one hour and 29 minutes at the WTA Finals on November 10 local time. The American recorded her first win of the event and remained in contention for the knockout rounds. Two straight-set losses eliminated Kostyuk.
Both had lost their opening matches, with Pegula coming through a demanding three-set defeat to Coco Gauff. Pegula won the first nine points against Kostyuk, breaking to love in the opening game.
Kostyuk began finding points, but Pegula maintained control and took the first set in half an hour. Kostyuk made 17 unforced errors in that set to Pegula’s three.
The decisive late break
Kostyuk became more competitive in the second set, breaking Pegula a couple of times and saving break points herself. A crucial ace helped her hold a late service game and sustain the pressure.
After 5–5, a costly double fault in Kostyuk’s service game allowed Pegula to move 6–5 ahead. Pegula then served out the match. She said her opening defeat gave her extra motivation to protect the second set and improve her group position.
Pegula highlighted better serving, landing 60% of first serves and winning 76% of those points. She had worked on handling aggressive returners such as Kostyuk. Kostyuk hit nine double faults in the match and 15 across her first two matches.
Noskova next
Kostyuk had beaten Pegula in Brisbane and Madrid this year, but a right-wrist injury during the Asian swing affected her preparation. She said her opening match against Linda Noskova came on only her second pain-free day and she might adjust her serve in the off-season. She found Pegula’s changes of pace difficult while taking positives from her returning.
Pegula faces Noskova on November 12 local time in a rematch of the Berlin final. Kostyuk will complete her group schedule against Gauff despite being out of qualification contention.
