Elina Svitolina Dominates Noskova to Set Up WTA Finals Showdown with Mirra Andreeva

Elina Svitolina delivered a commanding performance, dropping only three games in a dominant victory over Linda Noskova to secure her place in the WTA Finals showpiece against Mirra Andreeva.

The Ukrainian star showcased composure and aggressive tennis, sealing a convincing 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Wimbledon champion Noskova in a swift 64-minute encounter.

This milestone marks a spectacular rebound for world number six Svitolina at Indian Wells, following a heavy defeat in her opening group match against Andreeva.

Demonstrating immense resilience, Svitolina won her subsequent three matches, notably snapping a six-match losing streak against Aryna Sabalenka.

With 11 victories over top-10 opponents this year, Svitolina boasts the most wins against elite competition on the entire WTA Tour.

“After losing the first match, I was ready to go home, and now I’m in the final,” the 32-year-old reflected post-match.

“I will do my homework with my coaches – I will try to win a bit more games than I did in the first match [against Andreeva].”

This triumph marks Svitolina’s return to the world’s top 10 for the first time since October 2021.

After taking maternity leave in May 2022 to welcome daughter Skai, the Ukrainian has successfully transitioned to a more aggressive playing style upon her return.

She applied this aggressive game plan flawlessly against Noskova, neutralizing the Czech’s powerful serve right from the opening game.

Noskova struggled to find her form, committing 11 double faults and 27 unforced errors compared to Svitolina’s 18.

This marks the third time Svitolina has advanced to the season-ending championship match, having previously claimed the title in 2018.

Earlier, Mirra Andreeva etched her name in history by becoming the youngest player in 22 years to reach the WTA Finals showpiece, defeating Jessica Pegula in a composed display.

The French Open champion recovered from an early break down in both sets to clinch a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

At just 19 years old, Andreeva is the youngest finalist at the season finale since Maria Sharapova won the title in 2004 at age 17.

Securing victory over American Pegula guarantees that Andreeva will finish the year ranked as world number two.

“I did not feel one bit of pressure today, I don’t know why,” Andreeva told Sky Sports.

“Usually I feel like on these important points or when I have to close out the match or the set I get so tight.”

“But for some reason today I was just playing. I was just not thinking about anything, just trying to enjoy.”

Tournament debutant Andreeva has yet to drop a set and has not lost more than four games in any of her eight sets.

The 18 games she has lost is the fewest for a finalist at the WTA Finals since the round-robin format was introduced in 2003.

Under the guidance of coach Conchita Martinez, Andreeva has developed her serve into a real weapon.

She won 77% of points behind her first serve and hit 17 winners to outmuscle Pegula.

Andreeva also showed impressive composure, remaining unfazed despite going an early break down in both sets against the home favourite.

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