BERLIN — In a thrilling showdown, eighth-seeded Linda Noskova triumphed over third-seeded Jessica Pegula with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, capturing the title at the rain-affected Berlin Open final on Sunday.
Although set to commence around noon, the grass-court clash was delayed by nearly six hours due to torrential rains leading to flooding.
While Pegula famously saved five match points to clinch the Berlin championship in 2024, the 32-year-old American couldn’t replicate that magic against her Czech counterpart this time, falling short of her 12th career singles title.
Instead, the 21-year-old Noskova celebrated her second career title, with this WTA 500 grass-court event acting as a vital preparation for Wimbledon, set to kick off on June 29.
In the semifinals, top seed Aryna Sabalenka, a four-time major champion, faced defeat at the hands of Pegula.
Additionally, on Sunday, fourth-seeded Czech player Marie Bouzkova emerged victorious against No. 3-seeded Emma Navarro, winning the Nottingham Open final 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-2 for her inaugural singles title on grass.
