Czech world no. 14 Linda Noskova has ended the run of Australia’s Talia Gibson.
Gibson had reached the quarterfinals at Indian Wells as a qualifier and was playing in her 7th match in Tennis Paradise this tournament.
It was also the first WTA 1000 tournament for the world no. 112, a tournament where Gibson had racked up her first top-10 victory in the previous round.
Gibson started the match well and had a break point in the opening game after hitting a forehand winner. The break point was saved with a good first serve that forced an error.
There was no sign of nerves from Gibson in her first service game, holding to love.
A Gibson backhand error to open game four, followed by a Noskova winner saw the Czech player jump to 0-30, Gibson would get back to 30-30 before a double fault would gift her opponent a break point.
It was converted after Noskova put Gibson on the back foot with a great return. The Australian conceding the game with a shot wide.
Noskova would consolidate the break to lead 4-1 after holding to love. The Czech player had another break point in the sixth game which almost was converted however Gibson found the back edge of the baseline.
Another break point came after Gibson hit into the net, it was followed by a shot well over the baseline to see the world no. 14 serving for the set at 5-1.
Noskova started that game with a double fault. A missed return from Gibson saw the game at 15-15 before another double fault. The sun was clearly hampering Noskova.
Gibson had a break point after Noskova hit into the net. Another shot into the net and the Australian had stayed alive at 2-5.
Noskova won the opening point of the next game despite hitting a drive volley that clipped the top of the net. A Gibson double fault and Noskova was two points from the set.
A big return from the Czech forced an error from Gibson, it was now 3 set points to Noskova. Three were saved before an unforced error gave Noskova another set point. A double fault and the set was conceded.
Gibson fights back in second set
Gibson would hit back in the second set, breaking in the opening game. That service break would be enough to see the Australian take that second set.
Noskova held to love to start the third set. In the next game a shot into the net at 15-30 gave Noskova break point, a shot that tagged the sideline gave the Czeck an early break.
A good wide serve and a forehand winner on game point saw Noskova hold to love to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
Gibson held in the fourth game to stay in touch with her opponent. She would win the first point of the next game with a forehand winner.
A backhand swing volley winner saw Gibson at 0-30 but Noskova forced a service return error to win the next point. A bad service return miss and it was 30-30.
Another unforced error from the Australian and she was letting her opponent off the hook.
An Ace claimed the game for Noskova as she sat down with a 4-1 lead.
Gibson was playing well in the next game to hold serve and keep the pressure on her opponent.
A double fault and then a backhand winner from Gibson saw the score at 15-30. Noskova hit back with a stunning forehand winner.
The 30-30 point was a big one, however the Australian could not take advantage as she sent a relatively easy service return into the net. Another shot into the net and it was 5-2.
Gibson was broken to love after Noskova hit a forehand winner to claim the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
Huge rankings jump for Gibson
For Gibson it has been a breakout tournament, she jumps to no. 68 on the live rankings and has booked herself Grand Slam main draw entries.
If Gibson can build on this momentum she could find herself as the top-ranked Australian woman before the year is out.
Also see – Gibson stuns Paolini to earn an Indian Wells quarterfinal spot
A photo of Gibson by Robicia Tennis Photography