Linda Noskova Beats Coco Gauff to Become First Semi-Finalist at the WTA Finals
The Wimbledon champion won 6-3, 6-3 in Indian Wells for her second win in two matches on her debut at the season-ending event.
What happened
Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic beat Coco Gauff of the United States 6-3, 6-3 at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells on 11 November 2026. The match lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes. It was Noskova's second win in two group matches, after she opened the tournament by beating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.
Why it is being talked about
Noskova is playing the season-ending WTA Finals for the first time, and two wins from two matches made her the first player to secure a place in the semi-finals. The 21-year-old has had a breakthrough season: in July she won Wimbledon, her first Grand Slam title, by beating fellow Czech Karolina Muchova in the final. Beating Gauff, one of the most consistent players on the tour, confirms that the Wimbledon title was no one-off.
Key facts and numbers
- Score: Noskova 6-3, 6-3 Gauff (1 hour 15 minutes).
- Group record: two wins from two matches, over Kostyuk and Gauff, both in straight sets.
- Format: eight players are split into two groups of four. The top two in each group reach the semi-finals.
- Season: Wimbledon champion in July 2026, her first Grand Slam title.
What happens next
In the final round of group matches, Noskova plays Jessica Pegula of the United States, while Gauff meets Kostyuk. Those matches decide who joins Noskova in the semi-finals from her group. Noskova is already through, so her last group match is about finishing first in the group, which decides her semi-final opponent.
