Belinda Bencic secured her 10th WTA title with a commanding performance at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she defeated Linda Noskova in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. The match concluded in just one hour and 22 minutes, showcasing Bencic’s mastery on the court.
This victory marks a remarkable return for Bencic to the Tokyo venue, as it was her first final appearance there since winning Olympic gold four years ago. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, a stark contrast to her previous experience during the Olympics when matches were held in front of empty stands due to the pandemic. “It was wonderful playing in front of you guys,” Bencic expressed, reflecting on the supportive crowd. She continued, “I love to play in Japan, so I’m super happy to finally win this tournament.”
Bencic’s path to the final was grueling, requiring her to play over five hours in preceding matches, including two exhausting three-set battles against Sofia Kenin in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. In contrast, Noskova had a much less demanding journey to the final, having spent only 35 minutes on court due to a retirement and a walkover against Elena Rybakina, who withdrew from their semifinal match due to a back injury.
Bencic’s ability to break Noskova’s serve three times throughout the final was a key factor in her triumph, demonstrating her aggressive style and strategic play. This win not only adds to her growing list of accolades but also reinforces her status as one of the top contenders in women’s tennis as she looks forward to the final stretch of the season.
