Czech Republic's Linda Noskova eliminated Romania's Sorana Cirstea from the Wimbledon third round on Saturday, securing a dramatic three-set victory after saving a match point.
The 21-year-old Noskova, ranked 12th globally, rallied from a set down to defeat the 36-year-old world number 18 Cirstea with a final score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (9) in a match that lasted two hours and 16 minutes.
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Cirstea missed the chance to reach the round of 16 at the grass-court Grand Slam for the first time in her career, having recorded 11 winners and only eight unforced errors in her dominant opening set before Noskova mounted a comeback.
Prior to the match, Cirstea had secured her third-round spot by defeating Australia's Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-4 in 72 minutes on Friday, committing fewer than 10 unforced errors.
Cirstea Reflects on Frequent Matchups
Speaking before the match, Cirstea noted the unusual frequency of facing Noskova in 2026. "I said, as a joke, that I would like to try other opponents.
It rarely happens to me to be in June or July and play five times with a player, but it happens," she said.
"We know each other quite well, I don't think we have played on grass against each other.
A solid player, a good player, who is in the top 10, I don't think she needs much description, but at the same time, I have won three matches this year against her and I think I can play a good match."
