Kostyuk and Noskova into Wimbledon semis

Marta Kostyuk and Linda Noskova moved into their first Wimbledon semi-finals on July 8 with straight-set wins at the All England Club in London. Kostyuk, the 12th seed from Ukraine, beat 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2 on Centre Court, while ninth-seeded Czech Linda Noskova defeated Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-5 on No. 1 Court. Official Wimbledon results listed both quarterfinal victories on Day 10 of the tournament, setting up a first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist from that half of the draw. ### How did Kostyuk take control against Paolini? Kostyuk never faced a break point in the match and took command when she broke Paolini in the fifth game of the opening set, according to Wimbledon’s match report. Wimbledon said Paolini’s 15 unforced errors in the first set opened the door, and Kostyuk’s return game and forehand pressure kept the Italian on the back foot. (wimbledon.com) The 6-3, 6-2 scoreline was completed in 69 minutes, according to Wimbledon’s results page and other match reports. NBC Sports, citing the Associated Press, reported that Kostyuk dropped to her knees after converting her second match point in her Centre Court debut. ### Why is this run notable for Kostyuk? Wimbledon said Kostyuk became only the second Ukrainian woman to reach the Wimbledon last four, after Elina Svitolina. (wimbledon.com) The tournament’s report also said the 24-year-old had won 21 of her last 22 matches, a stretch that included titles in Rouen and Madrid and a semi-final run at Roland Garros. (wimbledon.com) NBC Sports reported that Kostyuk had also reached the French Open semi-finals before losing there to eventual champion Mirra Andreeva. That gave her back-to-back major semi-final appearances heading into the closing stages at SW19. ### What did Noskova do against Mertens? (wimbledon.com) Noskova beat Mertens 6-3, 7-5 after holding off a second-set push from the Belgian, according to Olympics.com and Wimbledon’s official results. The 21-year-old closed out the match in straight sets to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. (nbcsports.com) Yahoo’s report said Noskova was the youngest Wimbledon semi-finalist since Jelena Ostapenko in 2018. After the match, Noskova said: “The feelings are incredible,” and, when told she would face Kostyuk next, added: “It’s going to be a battle.” ### What does the semi-final lineup look like now? Wimbledon’s draw and results pages showed Kostyuk and Noskova advancing from the same half of the women’s singles bracket and meeting next for a place in the final. (olympics.com) Other reports said they joined Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova in the final four. The July 9 women’s semi-finals were already underway, according to coverage referenced in the briefing, with Kostyuk and Noskova playing for a first Wimbledon final berth. (sports.yahoo.com) Wimbledon’s official site and live scores page carry the next-round schedule and results from the All England Club. (wimbledon.com 1) (wimbledon.com 2)