An early advantage
Linda Noskova defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-4 on November 8 in their first WTA Finals appearances. Kostyuk lost serve, broke back, then surrendered another break as Noskova became the first player to hold and led 3-1.
Noskova completed the opening set in 31 minutes. Kostyuk was steadier in the second, but a break gave Noskova a 4-2 lead, after which she held her remaining service games.
A late entry and a familiar opponent
Kostyuk learned only on Saturday that she would replace Elena Rybakina, who withdrew with a viral illness. A right-wrist injury had kept her out of September’s Billie Jean King Cup finals, and she arrived on a four-match losing streak.
The pair had met on clay, grass and hard courts this year. Noskova had won their Wimbledon and US Open matches, extending that run to three consecutive victories here.
The 21-year-old Noskova is ranked eighth. She entered the top ten in June, won Wimbledon in July and helped Czechia win the Billie Jean King Cup in September. This was her fifth victory over a top-ten player this season, matching her best annual total. Including Billie Jean King Cup matches, she has won her last 37 matches after taking the first set.
This was Noskova’s 41st tour-level win of the season, surpassing last year’s 40. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula remain on her round-robin schedule; the opening victory does not itself secure qualification.
