TENNIS: Noskova downs Kostyuk to set up all-Czech Wimbledon final

LONDON — Linda Noskova advanced to her first Grand Slam final after defeating Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, 6-4, 6-4, in the Wimbledon women's singles semifinals on Thursday.

The ninth-seeded Czech delivered a composed performance on Centre Court, controlling the match from start to finish to secure a place in Saturday's championship against fellow Czech Karolina Muchova.

"It was never easy because a Grand Slam semifinal is always tough, but I tried to stay patient, stay calm, and find a way to win the last point," Noskova said after the match.

"When I play my best tennis, I know I can compete with the best players in the world."

The final will mark the first all-Czech women's Grand Slam championship match and the first women's major final between players from the same country since the 2017 U.S. Open, where Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys.

Noskova's victory also guarantees that a Czech player will win the Wimbledon women's singles title for the third time in the past four years.

Reflecting on her upcoming opponent, Noskova praised Muchova, who earlier saved a match point to defeat Coco Gauff in a dramatic semifinal.

"Karolina is an incredible fighter and an amazing player, but more importantly, she's a wonderful person," Noskova said. "I'm happy that my first Grand Slam final will be against her."

Playing in hot conditions as London continued to experience a heatwave, both players opened the match with solid service games in a contest that lacked extended rallies and momentum.

Kostyuk, who reached the French Open semifinals earlier this year, faltered late in the opening set after falling behind 0-40 on serve in the 10th game, allowing Noskova to take the lead.

Noskova moved ahead 3-1 in the second set before Kostyuk broke back with a forehand winner. However, the Ukrainian was unable to build on the momentum as unforced errors continued to hamper her comeback.

The Czech remained steady under pressure and capitalized on another lapse from Kostyuk, breaking serve once more before closing out the victory on her second match point.

Noskova will now aim to capture her first Grand Slam title when she faces Muchova in Saturday's Wimbledon final. -Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Alison Williams and Pritha Sarkar/Reuters