“You’ve been more than annoying to all of us”: Linda Noskova’s funny tribute to Anisimova lights up China Open ceremony

Linda Noskova may have fallen short in the China Open final, but she left Beijing with her head held high — and a smile that said it all. The 19-year-old Czech lost to Amanda Anisimova 0–6, 6–2, 2–6, yet her poise and honesty during the post-match ceremony revealed why she’s one of tennis’s most grounded young stars.

For Nosková, these two weeks in Beijing weren’t just about results; they were about growth, confidence, and perspective. “These two weeks have been nothing short of great,” she said. “I definitely didn’t come here expecting to play in the final, so it was a really nice surprise. It’s been a great tournament for my career.” Her tone was light and reflective, the kind of calm confidence that hints at future success.

During this week, she added further victories against players such as Zheng Qinwen (No. 9) and Jessica Pegula (No. 7) - reaching a total of 11 victories against top-10 players in her young career.

The Czech teenager, who has made steady strides on the WTA Tour this season, spoke with warmth about the crowd that cheered her through every match. “I just want to say a big, big thank you to every single one of you who came out here tonight and throughout the past two weeks,” she said, beaming. “It’s been an incredible experience to play in front of such amazing crowds. There have been so many people supporting me — from here in China and from all around the world — and it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Noskova’s humility stood out. She didn’t dwell on the missed chances or her slow start in the final. Instead, she focused on the positives — the atmosphere, the progress, and the privilege of competing at such a high level. In a sport that often highlights pressure and expectation, her words were a refreshing reminder of gratitude and perspective.

Even in defeat, Nosková’s charm and humour shone through. When it came time to congratulate her opponent, she couldn’t help but make the audience laugh. “I just want to congratulate Amanda — you’ve been playing amazing throughout this whole year actually,” she said, smiling. “You’ve been more than annoying to all of us! But really, wow — great tennis, and good luck to you and your team as well.”

The moment was light-hearted, but it captured Noskova’s personality perfectly: respectful, funny, and fiercely competitive. Her ability to joke after a tough loss made her speech one of the most memorable of the tournament.

Noskova didn’t forget to acknowledge those behind her success. “I also want to thank my own team — thank you. It’s been a long two weeks, and I just want to say thank you for every little thing you do for me,” she said. “Also, to my family and my team back home — thank you so much.”

Her words underscored just how grounded she remains despite her rapid rise. Nosková’s team-first mindset and appreciation for her support system have become trademarks of her character — and a reminder that success in tennis is rarely a solo act.

While Nosková didn’t leave Beijing with the trophy, she certainly left with momentum. Her run to the final showed she can hang with the world’s best — and her composure in defeat showed she belongs among them. Calling her experience “unforgettable,” Nosková summed up what this fortnight meant to her.

For fans watching her evolution, it’s clear this was more than just a tournament. It was the start of something — a breakthrough defined by belief, maturity, and the kind of quiet resilience that marks a future champion.