Noskova’s ‘special moment’ as she claims maiden Grand Slam title
Linda Noskova became the first Czech since Hana Mandlikova to win the girls’ singles title at Roland Garros after coming through a tough final 7-6(3) 6-3 against Russia’s Erika Andreeva on Saturday.
The 16-year-old, who has already captured two professional titles this year, added a junior major to her list of achievements in what was the only junior tournament that she has contested in 2021.
“It’s an amazing feeling – indescribable,” she said after the match. “I’m feeling really proud of myself that I was able to make it through the whole tournament. All of the matches were very tough for me from the beginning to the end, so I am very happy.
“This is my first Grand Slam win, so this is amazing. It’s an honour to win Roland Garros [as a Czech] after this long time. I am speechless right now. This is a very special moment for me.”
There has been plenty to cheer about for Czech tennis at this year’s Roland Garros, with Noskova’s victory today being the first of what could be three trophies in the space of one weekend, given Barbora Krejcikova’s phenomenal run to the final in both the singles and the doubles of the women’s draw.
But Noskova’s victory in the final was anything but plain sailing. The Czech had an opportunity to serve out the first set at 5-4 but was broken by her Russian opponent and needed a tie break to move one-set to the good.
And in the second set, it was Andreeva who came out firing on all cylinders, putting pressure on Noskova’s serve as she raced out to a 3-1 lead. But, using the experience she has gained on the professional tour, Noskova kept her cool and won five games in a row to clinch the second set 6-3 and with it, the title.
So what next for the talented teenager? “I will be playing as many [Junior] Slams as possible, but I want to play as many adult tournaments to look to the future.”
In the girls’ doubles, the duo of Alex Eala (PHI) and Oksana Selekhmeteva (RUS) prevailed 6-0 7-5 against Maria Bondarenko (RUS) and Amarissa Kiara Toth (HUN).
The Filipino-Russian combination had prepared for junior Roland Garros by competing in an ITF World Tennis Tour Women’s event, finishing runners-up at the W25 Platja D’Aro in Spain.