Jessica Pegula mounts stunning comeback against Linda Noskova to reach Bad Homburg final

Jessica Pegula achieved a remarkable comeback to reach the final of the Bad Homburg Open, after overcoming teenager Linda Noskova by 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-1. The Czech player was serving in the second set with a chance to close out the win, but the World No. 3 reacted just in time to stage a comeback that sends her to another final.

The former US Open finalist showed resilience against a player who had enjoyed an incredibly inspired and confident week after eliminating Mirra Andreeva. Pegula survived the second set and then dominated her rival in the third, guaranteeing a high-level final against Iga Swiatek.

First Set

The match began favorably for Pegula, as she secured an early break against an opponent whose strong week had been built around her serve. Pegula took a 3-1 lead, even having an opportunity to go up by two breaks, but Noskova ultimately held her serve. As soon as opportunities arose for Noskova, she seized them, getting a break back to level at 3-3.

With the score 5-4 in favor of Noskova, the Czech had two set points on return, but Pegula managed to stay alive. Everything stretched to a tie-break, where the teenager was more efficient on serve, securing a tight set 7-6(7-2). Noskova had won a notable 76% of points on her serve compared to Pegula's 67%.

Second Set

Again, things looked even between Pegula and Noskova at the start of the second set. However, the Czech struck the first blow in the third game, and this time it was she who pulled ahead to 3-1. Both managed to hold their service games – several of them involving saving break points – but Pegula couldn't find a way to recover the break.

The Czech had her chance when serving at 5-4, but ended up yielding her serve as Pegula seized the momentum of the match. The American won four consecutive games – going from 3-5 to 7-5, even winning the last 10 points consecutively – to claim a revitalizing set that Noskova had held in her pocket.

Third Set

Noskova could do little in the final set against an opponent who seemed to make practically no errors. Pegula started by imposing herself strongly on her serve and then threatened with an early break when Noskova served at 0-40. The Czech managed to save 6 break points in that game to level at 1-1, although she would not have the same effectiveness moving forward.

Even though Pegula didn't secure the break at that moment, it was already clear that she was taking control of the match. The American won the last 5 games consecutively, converting 2/4 break opportunities that Noskova gave her, and closing out the victory on her third match point by 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-1.

Match Statistics Pegula vs. Noskova