Linda Noskova claimed a hard-fought victory over Ann Li at the Dubai Championships, prevailing with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the opening round. The match lasted for two hours and four minutes, showcasing Noskova’s resilience as she topped the American competitor, avoiding an early exit in February after a disappointing loss just five days earlier to Varvara Gracheva.
Noskova, currently ranked World No. 12, faced a significant challenge, but her performance, especially in the final set, marks an encouraging sign of her return to form. The Czech player had a strong finish to the previous season, featuring impressive victories over notable players such as Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula. However, her start to 2026 has been inconsistent, including a loss to Xinyu Wang earlier in January.
On the other hand, Ann Li, ranked World No. 41, has had a difficult week. Although she recorded a commendable victory over Leylah Fernandez on February 8, she has now encountered consecutive three-set defeats, having previously lost to Elisabetta Cocciaretto. While Li showed competitiveness in her match against Noskova, she was unable to close the gap against the Top 15 seed.
This victory for Noskova is crucial as she aims to regain the consistency that has propelled her into the upper echelons of women’s tennis. The signs of returning to her gritty form suggest a promising future as she advances in the tournament.