Pegula Reaches WTA Finals Semifinals, Eliminating Gauff

Pegula saved a match point and won the final three games to defeat Noskova 7-6 (2), 4-6, 7-5. She struck a career-high 16 aces, helping secure a place in the semifinals against Mirra Andreeva. Noskova had already qualified and remained top of Group 1 despite the loss.

The result left Pegula, Noskova and Gauff all with 2-1 records. The top two advanced based on the percentage of sets won: Noskova took five of seven, Pegula five of eight, and Gauff four of seven. Gauff was eliminated, even though she had beaten Pegula in their opening match.

Earlier Thursday, Gauff rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the second set to beat Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 7-5, winning the last six games. Gauff received treatment for her lower back during the match. Kostyuk, playing as an alternate after Elena Rybakina withdrew with a viral illness, finished the group stage without a win.

Noskova led 5-4 in the deciding set and had a match point, but Pegula saved it with her serve, then broke Noskova and closed out the contest. The players have gone to three sets in all five of their career meetings.

Pegula will meet Andreeva in Saturday’s semifinal. It will be her third appearance in the WTA Finals semifinals.