Pegula edges Noskova in thriller to deny Gauff WTA Finals semi-final spot

Pegula knew she needed victory against the Wimbledon champion after Gauff had earlier beaten Marta Kostyuk in straight sets.

And she delivered under pressure, saving a match point on her way to a 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 7-5 victory to secure the final semi-final spot from their group.

Noskova looked to have the match under control after moving a break ahead in the deciding set and then earning a match point on Pegula's serve at 5-4.

However, Pegula held her nerve to escape that danger before breaking back and eventually closing out the contest.

Noskova had already secured her semi-final place and will face either Elina Svitolina or Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday.

Pegula, meanwhile, will take on French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, whom she has never previously faced.

Earlier, Gauff had done her part with a battling 6-4 7-5 victory over Kostyuk, but it ultimately proved insufficient to keep her tournament hopes alive.

The world number four struggled physically during the contest and required treatment on her lower back before falling 5-1 behind in the second set.

However, she produced a remarkable recovery, winning six consecutive games to complete the straight-sets victory.

"Physically, I wasn't at my best, which I'm not really used to," Gauff said. "It was like a mental challenge, learning how to play through that."

Despite Gauff's victory, Pegula's dramatic win later in the day ensured it was the American who progressed to the last four.

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