Linda Noskova beats Jessica Pegula to claim 2026 Berlin Open title
Berlin, June 22
Linda Noskova claimed the 2026 Berlin Open title on Sunday after defeating Jessica Pegula 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought final, securing the first grass-court title of her career.
The triumph marks the second WTA singles title of Noskova's career and improves her record in WTA Tour finals to 2-5, according to the WTA website. The victory will also propel the Czech star into the Top 10 of the WTA rankings for the first time, with Noskova set to surpass Karolina Muchova and become the new Czech No. 1.
Noskova had a strong record when winning the first set, going 16-1 in such matches since her loss to Mirra Andreeva in Brisbane in January. She improved that to 17-1 after taking the opening set against Jessica Pegula in the final.
Noskova started brightly, winning the first three games with powerful serving and aggressive shot-making. She broke for 2-0 after excellent court coverage and a volley winner, then held a long service game to move 3-0 up. Pegula fought back to level at 3-3, but Noskova held firm in a tight game to break again and take the set.
In the second set, Pegula raised her level and surged from 3-3 to lead 5-3, eventually winning the set to force a decider.
Noskova responded strongly in the third set, breaking early to lead 2-0 and quickly moving 3-0 ahead. Although Pegula pushed back and even saved a championship point late on, Noskova stayed steady. She finished the match with a forehand winner after Pegula's final shot went long, sealing the title in style.
With her win, Linda Noskova became the second Czech woman to win a title on Sunday, after Marie Bouzkova defeated Emma Navarro in a three-hour final to lift the Nottingham Open.
It marked the fourth time two Czech women won WTA singles titles on the same day. The previous instances, according to the WTA website, were:
October 1, 2016: Petra Kvitova (Wuhan) and Karolina Pliskova (Tashkent)January 7, 2017: Katerina Siniakova (Shenzhen) and Pliskova (Brisbane)September 18, 2022: Linda Fruhvirtova (Chennai) and Siniakova (Portoroz).
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a tennis fan in India, it's wonderful to see Czech tennis producing so many champions. Two Czech women winning titles on the same day is incredible! We need more grass-court tournaments in Asia too—imagine the inspiration for our own players 🇮🇳🎾
Pegula is a class act but she really should have closed out those break points in the third set. Noskova's mental strength at 19 is remarkable—she'll be a top-5 player soon. Exciting times for women's tennis!
So happy for Linda! But I think Pegula needs to work on her game when under pressure—she's too predictable at crucial moments. Still, both players gave us a thrilling final. Indian broadcasters should show more WTA matches, not just men's tennis all the time. 🙏
Noskova's composure on grass is incredible for someone so young. That forehand winner to seal the match was pure class. And two Czech champions on the same day—what a nation! Hopefully we see more Indian players on the WTA tour soon 🤞
Pegula is a top player but she always seems to fall just short in finals. Noskova's aggressive baseline game is perfect for grass—she's got a big future. Also, great to see Czech tennis producing so many champions across generations. Respect from India! 🇮🇳🇨🇿
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.