Jessica Pegula Advances to WTA Finals Semifinals with Three-Set Win Over Linda Noskova

Jessica Pegula recorded a career-high 16 aces to defeat Linda Noskova in three sets, a result that eliminated Coco Gauff from the season-ending competition.

Jessica Pegula fired a career-high 16 aces to defeat Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in three sets at Indian Wells, California. This victory secured Pegula a spot in the semifinals of the $10 million WTA Finals and simultaneously knocked out Coco Gauff from the season-ending tournament. Although Gauff had defeated Pegula in their opening Group 1 match, her advancement depended on Pegula losing to Noskova, who had already qualified for the semifinals.

Earlier on Thursday, Gauff rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the second set to defeat Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 7-5. Gauff won the final six games of that match, overcoming back stiffness that required a trainer's massage and painkillers. Kostyuk, who entered the event as an alternate for Elena Rybakina, raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set before a wrist injury hampered her serve and led to a 0-3 finish in round-robin play.

During her comeback, Gauff fought off three break points to trail 5-2 before breaking Kostyuk twice to level the set at 5-5. The match ended when Kostyuk netted a forehand. Gauff had previously taken the first set by breaking back at 5-4 with a crosscourt backhand volley winner. The tournament, originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia, was relocated to the Southern California desert due to regional conflict.