Kostyuk defeats Paolini in straight sets
The women’s draw at Wimbledon this year has been noted for its openness, especially with the absence of top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. However, recognizing players in strong form remains crucial, as demonstrated by Marta Kostyuk and Linda Noskova advancing to the semi-finals.
Marta Kostyuk, the Ukrainian 12th seed who recently reached the French Open semi-finals, delivered a commanding performance against 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini, winning 6-3, 6-2 on Centre Court. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Linda Noskova, seeded ninth, overcame Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-5, marking her 10th win out of 11 matches on grass this year.
Kostyuk’s dominant display
Kostyuk showcased her exceptional skills by hitting 19 winners, many with her powerful forehand return, including one measured at 96 mph. Her serving was nearly flawless, conceding only three points on serve in the first set and not facing any break points. She broke Paolini twice in each set. Her athleticism, influenced by her gymnastics background, was evident as she retrieved many balls that would have been winners against other players, effectively turning defense into offense.
Kostyuk holds the record for the most wins in 2026 and, despite not participating in a grass-court warm-up event, showed no signs of nerves during her Centre Court debut.
“First of all, hello Centre Court, first time playing on this incredible court,”she said.
“Winning here was not even in plans today, I just wanted to come out here and put on a show.”
Her coach, Sandra Zaniewska, advised her to familiarize herself with Centre Court in advance, which proved beneficial.
“Thank God my coach made me walk here yesterday,”Kostyuk remarked.
“I was flabbergasted by this entrance, I needed one day to recover from what I saw.
“I was on this court as a spectator once nine years ago watching Roger [Federer], it was so special. I made like a walk of honour on the Centre Court [on Tuesday], took a moment and soaked it all in.”
Noskova’s continued grass-court success
Like Kostyuk, Noskova was making her first quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon but maintained her impressive grass-court form, securing her 10th win in 11 matches on the surface this summer. She has won more grass matches (18) than any player in the past two years. Her powerful serve and groundstrokes proved too strong for Mertens, who was broken once in each set, allowing Noskova to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final.
With Karolina Muchova set to face Coco Gauff in the other semi-final, there is a strong possibility of an all-Czech final, which would be the first ever at Wimbledon. This would also mark the sixth Czech woman to win the title, following Martina Navratilova, Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, Marketa Vondrousova, and Barbora Krejcikova.
Noskova expressed her emotions about the achievement:
“The feelings are incredible, like never before,”she said.
“This is what I’m playing tennis for, these big matches, big stages, big courts. It’s a special feeling. I was a little bit nervous before the match. Usually when I am feeling a little nervous it means I care a lot. I was really enjoying this match.”
Upcoming semi-final matchup and conditions
Kostyuk and Noskova have met only once before, with Kostyuk winning in Madrid in May on clay. However, Noskova’s recent title run in Berlin, where she defeated Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula in the final, adds to her confidence heading into the semi-finals.
With temperatures expected to reach 33°C on Thursday, the heat may influence play. Kostyuk commented on the weather conditions:
“I’m sure people are happy with the weather in London but not us on court,”she said.
“But I’m just happy to be back out here.”
