It wasn’t to be for Linda Noskova as she lost in the final of the China Open to Amanda Anisimova.
After losing the first set 6-0, Noskova bucked up her ideas and claimed the second one 6-2 to force a decider against the world number four.
After two tough losses in the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open, however, Anisimova was in no mood to make it an unwanted hat-trick and roared back to win the decider 6-2.
Anisimova made a prediction about Noskova after the match and it would appear that the Czech player managed to surprise herself during her run to the final at the China Open.
Linda Noskova explains what surprised her about the China Open
For Noskova, this was an unexpected run to the final of an event, and hopefully it can spark her into life on the WTA Tour and she can keep competing for titles.
Noskova played brilliantly throughout the tournament, but came up against Anisimova, who has been displaying brilliant ball-striking for quite some time.
The Czech player has confirmed that she was a little bit surprised by her performances of late and admitted what surprised her about the run to the China Open final.
She said in her press conference: “Yeah, well, this tournament, I mean, I’ve never really played the Asian Swing before. Two years ago, I had to actually withdraw from this tournament and come home immediately. Last year, I skipped all these tournaments.
“This is definitely a different experience for me now for the first time in my career, playing throughout the whole season. It’s just really tough and long, this calendar that we have. To kind of prepare mentally and physically for each match is just almost impossible, it seems sometimes.
“So yeah, I came here with just a feeling, I just want to enjoy my time on court and whatever happens happens. Maybe the great strategic move for me is to kind of let it go and enjoy my time.
“These two weeks have been great, I wasn’t coming here feeling that good, so it was a nice surprise and a very good moment for my career.”
Noskova can now kick on and climb higher up the rankings
Noskova is now up to a new career high of number 17 in the world rankings and that might get even higher before the year draws to a close.
The 20-year-old has jumped up 10 places on the back of the China Open and she will now be aiming even higher.
Noskova was perhaps unlucky in the final as Anisimova started the game in such rampant fashion, winning the first set in the blink of an eye.
Noskova can take so much from this tournament, though and now it will be fascinating to see if she can enjoy another strong run at one of the remaining tournaments this year.
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