In a thrilling second-round match at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, sixth-seeded Czech Linda Noskova overcame a slow start to defeat American McCartney Kessler 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 and advance to the quarterfinals.
Noskova lost the first set after a tight battle but then found her rhythm. She tallied 10 aces and saved six of nine break points, key statistics that underpinned her comeback win. Her victory now sets up a clash with Russian Anna Kalinskaya in the next round, who herself edged compatriot Diania Shnaider in a three-set showdown.
Match Turning Points
After dropping the opening set 5-7, Noskova shifted momentum by improving her serve and injecting more aggression into her baseline exchanges. The 6-3 second set reflected her growing control—she began to dictate play, while Kessler’s level dipped slightly. In the decisive third set, Noskova maintained composure in crucial moments, converting break opportunities and tightening her defence when under pressure. The ace tally and break-point saves underscored that clutch performance.
What This Means for Noskova
For a 20-year-old ranked around No. 17 in the world, this win is a strong statement. It demonstrates resilience and the ability to navigate through pressure matches — two qualities essential for continuing her rise on the tour. Her ability to rescue a match after a slow start speaks to growing maturity. Additionally, this performance may add momentum for the remainder of the season, especially as she eyes deeper runs in WTA 500 and higher-level events. Her broader season data show that she’s been making steady improvements.
Broader Tournament Context
Noskova was not alone in advancing smoothly: eighth seed Karolina Muchova defeated Australia’s Maya Jung 6-3, 7-5, while ninth-seeded Canadian Victoria Mboko powered past Germany’s Eva Lys 6-1, 6-1 in just 55 minutes. The depth of quality on the women’s tour continues to grow, and Noskova’s ability to emerge among the seeds in such events indicates she is firmly in the mix.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming match against Anna Kalinskaya promises to test Noskova’s mettle further. Kalinskaya’s victory earlier in the tournament suggests she is in form, meaning Noskova will need to replicate her serving strength and tactical composure. If she can maintain the level shown in this comeback, she may very well be a contender to reach the later stages in Tokyo.
In sum, Linda Noskova’s comeback victory in Tokyo is both notable and promising. It offers a glimpse into her growing competitive strength, and suggests she is moving toward the kind of consistency required to contend on the WTA Tour.
