Linda Noskova became the youngest WTA Finals debutant in 15 years to reach the semi-finals after a straight-sets defeat of Coco Gauff.

Noskova, who is seeded eighth at Indian Wells, pulled off a surprise 6-3 6-3 win over two-time major winner Gauff on Tuesday.

In the process, the 21-year-old became the youngest player to reach the last four of the WTA Finals in her first appearance at the season-ending tournament since Petra Kvitova in 2011.

Nosvoka, the reigning Wimbledon champion, is also the youngest player to win her first two matches at the WTA Finals since Gauff did so en route to the title in 2024.

"First of all, I did not even know I was in the semis, to start with that," Noskova said.

"Right after the match finished, I was already focusing on how I'm going to play Jessica [Pegula] in two days.

"So not much really changes for me. I still want to win. I still want to get whatever score, whatever win possible. I'm not really playing the math here, so it's not going to be any different."

2011 - Linda Noskova is the youngest player to reach the semi-finals at the WTA Finals at her maiden appearance at the event since Petra Kvitova in 2011. Baton Relay. #FAGEWTAFinals #TheUltimateStage | @WTA https://t.co/4GyzgJHBcM

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) November 10, 2026

Gauff regrets slow start

Noskova got on top of Gauff in the opener, breaking the American four times. 

The Czech, who has recorded a Tour-leading 25 wins since the start of the grass season, maintained the momentum with a break at the start of set two, and then held her nerve from there to seal victory within 75 minutes.

Gauff must now beat Marta Kostyuk in her final group match in order to progress to the semi-finals. She is aiming to become the youngest player to reach the last four three times at the WTA Finals since Maria Sharapova in 2006.

"I wish I started off serving a little bit better," Gauff told reporters.

"I think if I was serving better, maybe I could've put some more pressure on those return games. She was starting up a break a lot, and it's much easier to serve when you're up a break.

"Especially [as] she is a good server, so I think that's just something I have to work on."