It was not meant to be for Jessica Pegula this time around in Berlin, as she came up short against young Czech talent Linda Nosková in a heavily rain-delayed final on Sunday. The American was chasing her third title on grass and second at the tournament, having previously won the trophy in 2024.
In her runner-up speech after the match, Pegula praised her opponent while also thanking her team and her loved ones for their support over the years. She then apologized to her father, billionaire Terry Pegula, after failing to cross the finish line on Father’s Day.
Jessica Pegula Loses a Three-Set Battle Against Linda Nosková at the Berlin Tennis Open
Although Nosková held a 2-1 head-to-head advantage entering Sunday’s final, Pegula was considered the slight favorite due to her strong record in Berlin and the fact that her lone victory over the Czech came on grass at Bad Homburg last year.
The American reached the title clash after impressive wins against Kateřina Siniaková, Madison Keys, and Aryna Sabalenka. Notably, this was her first tournament after her unexpected first-round defeat at the French Open in May.
In her runner-up speech, she thanked her team, including her two coaches, Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein, her physio, Sebastian Cozzarin, her trainer, John Opfer, and her hitting partner, Daniel.
“I’d like to thank my coach in the box, Mark. Thanks for all the help this week. We’ve done pretty well here in Berlin. Didn’t get the title today, but considering where we were a couple weeks ago, I think it was pretty good. So, thank you so much for all your help. Thanks to Daniel also for hitting with me all week.”
“And then obviously to everyone back home, my other coach who’s also named Mark. I know that you’re watching, my trainer John; my physio who’s not here, Seba,” she said.
Pegula also took a moment to thank her loved ones for their support, expressing regret that she could not reward her father, Terry, with a victory on Father’s Day. Terry Pegula, owner of the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, has long been one of the biggest supporters of his daughter’s tennis career.
“My husband, Taylor, and all my friends and family. It’s Father’s Day back home. So, sorry to my dad. I couldn’t get it done today, but hopefully it was still a decent Father’s Day for you.”
The World No. 4 also congratulated Linda Nosková on her 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win during her speech. “I’d like to congratulate Linda today. You played amazing. You’re a great player, great talent, still so young. I always honestly love watching you play. I think you’re an amazing player and super talented. So, congrats to you and your team.”
The Berlin Tennis Open marks Nosková’s second career title. The 21-year-old won her maiden trophy at the Monterrey Open in 2024. En route to the final in the German capital, she beat Renata Zarazúa, Diane Parry, Paula Badosa, and Alexandra Eala.
Nosková is also competing in doubles in Berlin and is slated to compete in Bad Homburg after that. It remains to be seen whether she will proceed with her planned schedule or take time to recover before Wimbledon. Pegula, meanwhile, has decided against returning to defend her title at the event this year.
