In a match that wrapped up just hours ago at the China Open in Beijing, Czech player Linda Noskova delivered a solid performance to defeat Britain's Sonay Kartal in the quarterfinals. The 26th seed clinched the victory 6-4, 7-5, extending her impressive run in this WTA 1000 event. Noskova, now 20 years old and climbing the ranks, has been turning heads with her aggressive baseline game throughout the tournament.
Indeed, Noskova's path here hasn't been easy. She started strong by overcoming Xiyu Wang in the round of 64, then pulled off a notable win against home favorite Qinwen Zheng in the third round—Zheng retired injured after Noskova took the first set 6-4 and led 3-0 in the second. That upset, against the seventh seed and Olympic champion, carried a bit of controversy given the Beijing crowd's support for Zheng. However, Noskova stayed composed, dispatching Anastasia Potapova next in straight sets to reach the quarters.
Against Kartal, who had been on a hot streak with four wins in Beijing, Noskova faced a gritty opponent. Kartal, unranked at the start but pushing toward the top 10, showed flashes of brilliance, especially in long rallies. Yet Noskova's serve held firm, breaking at key moments. The win boosts Noskova to her first semifinal of a major hard-court event this year, a milestone that could propel her ranking higher—currently around 28th.
Moreover, this tournament has highlighted the grueling schedule on the WTA tour, with several retirements underscoring player fatigue. Noskova, though, appears resilient, her powerful forehand cutting through the competition like a well-oiled machine. Kartal's exit is disappointing; she fought valiantly but couldn't sustain the pressure in the second set.
However, as Noskova prepares for the semifinals—likely against a top seed—the real test awaits. The China Open, blending high stakes with Beijing's autumn chill, continues to surprise. Will her momentum carry her to the final, or will experience prevail? It's a question that lingers as the draws tighten.