WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Czech player Linda Noskova opened her WTA Finals campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at Indian Wells on Sunday.
Despite a late change of opponent, Noskova wrapped up a comfortable victory in under 90 minutes in her fourth career meeting with Kostyuk, who replaced world No. 1 Elena Rybakina.
"I just had to quickly get used to a different opponent," Wimbledon champion Noskova told the WTA's official website. "But the preparations were all the same, so not much has changed."
For Kostyuk, the unexpected opportunity to compete at the Finals offered a chance to end the year on a positive note after struggling with chronic wrist pain.
"I think this is the most important thing for me right now," she said. "I'm happy to be back on court."
In the other Group 1 match, Coco Gauff prevailed in an all-American contest against Jessica Pegula, winning 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2 in two hours and 39 minutes.
In the deciding set, Gauff raced to a 3-0 lead before securing another break of serve to seal victory.
"I felt like it was such a good match. High level from both of us," Gauff said. "Mentally I think was the biggest difference. I didn't get too high or get too low, and I think that even though I lost that match point in the second, I was able to reset."
In the doubles competition, Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini defeated Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend 4-6, 6-1, 10-8.
Cristina Bucsa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez beat Ellen Perez and Demi Schuurs 6-0, 6-4. ■
