Noskova beats Pegula to lift Berlin Open trophy

BERLIN (Agencies): The Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova scooped her first grasscourt title ​by beating American Jessica Pegula 6-4 4-6 6-3 ‌in the Berlin Open final on Sunday. The eighth seed converted her third break point opportunity to clinch the opening ​set. Pegula, the 2024 champion, fought back in ​a closely contested second set to force ⁠a decider but Noskova maintained her composure in ​the decider. She secured an early break before closing out ​the match to clinch her second WTA singles title. “Wow what a week. Obviously I want to congratulate Jessie. You’re incredible ​and a very tricky player to play on ​whatever surface. It was really tough to play you in ‌the ⁠final,” Noskova said following her triumph. ““I don’t know where I’m gonna put this trophy, it’s too heavy!” World number 13 Noskova is set to break into ​the top 10 ​for the ⁠first time, while Pegula’s hopes of winning the title for a second time ​in three editions fell flat despite ​her ⁠win over world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals. Sunday’s final was delayed due to extreme weather, forcing ⁠the ​evacuation of spectators, after which ​organisers apologised following criticism over staff conduct during the process.