Marie Bouzkova captured her second Livesport Prague Open title on Sunday, defeating fellow Czech rising star Linda Noskova in a thrilling all-Czech final, 7-5, 6-3. The victory not only marks a triumphant return to form for Bouzkova but also highlights her continued dominance on home soil in Prague, where she previously won the tournament in 2022.
The all-Czech showdown was one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament, pitting experience against youth. Bouzkova, 26, a seasoned WTA competitor and former world No. 24, showcased her consistency and mental strength to fend off the challenge from 19-year-old Noskova, who has rapidly risen through the ranks and is seen as one of the brightest talents in Czech tennis.
A Battle of Generations
From the outset, the match promised high-quality tennis. Noskova came out swinging, eager to use her aggressive baseline play to disrupt Bouzkova’s rhythm. The younger Czech quickly broke serve to go up 3-1 in the first set, looking confident and in control. However, Bouzkova, known for her tireless defense and clever point construction, gradually clawed her way back into the set.
Bouzkova’s experience shone through in crucial moments. She saved two break points at 4-4 and then capitalized on a few unforced errors from Noskova to secure a late break, ultimately taking the first set 7-5 after nearly an hour of competitive tennis.
The second set saw Bouzkova tighten her grip on the match. Her returning game was clinical, forcing Noskova to go for lower-margin shots that led to a rising error count. Bouzkova broke early in the second set and held serve with impressive composure, mixing topspin-heavy groundstrokes with timely drop shots to keep Noskova guessing.
While Noskova showed flashes of brilliance — including several blistering backhand winners — she was unable to consistently penetrate Bouzkova’s rock-solid defense. After another break of serve late in the set, Bouzkova closed out the match 6-3, sealing the victory in just under two hours.
Triumph on Home Soil
Bouzkova’s win in Prague carries special significance. Not only is it her second title at the event, but it also cements her as one of the most successful Czech players at the tournament in recent history. The home crowd played a key role in energizing her throughout the week, and she acknowledged their support with visible emotion after the final point.
“This place is very special to me,” Bouzkova said during the trophy ceremony. “Winning here again, in front of my family and fans, is something I will never forget. I’m proud of how I fought this week and how I handled the pressure.”
This victory is Bouzkova’s second career WTA singles title, both of which have now come in Prague. It’s a much-needed confidence boost after a challenging stretch of the season, where injuries and inconsistent results saw her slip outside the top 50 in the rankings.
Noskova’s Bright Future
Despite the loss, Linda Noskova continues to impress. The teenager reached her first WTA final earlier this year in Adelaide, where she defeated world No. 2 Ons Jabeur en route. Her powerful baseline game and fearless mentality have earned her comparisons to some of the game’s best young talents.
In Prague, Noskova showcased her potential with commanding wins over seasoned players, including former top-10 player Caroline Garcia. Though she came up short in the final, her run to the championship match serves as another signal of her promising trajectory.
“Marie played really well today,” Noskova said afterward. “I tried my best, but she was more consistent and smarter in the key moments. I’ve learned a lot this week and I’ll take those lessons into the next tournaments.”
Czech Tennis Continues to Shine
The all-Czech final was yet another testament to the depth of talent emerging from the country. With names like Petra Kvitová, Karolína Plíšková, Barbora Krejčíková, and Markéta Vondroušová already established, the presence of Bouzkova and Noskova in the final shows that the next generation is ready to carry the torch.
For Bouzkova, the victory could be a springboard to more success in the upcoming North American hardcourt season. She is expected to rise in the WTA rankings following this win and will look to build momentum heading into the US Open.
As for Noskova, the defeat is just a stepping stone in what promises to be a long and successful career. With her talent and drive, it seems only a matter of time before she claims a WTA title of her own.
In the end, the Livesport Prague Open provided a memorable finale for Czech tennis fans, with two of their own battling it out in style. And as Bouzkova lifted the trophy once again, she reaffi
rmed her status as the queen of Prague.
