The WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo has set the stage for an intriguing final between Linda Noskova and Belinda Bencic following a dramatic day of semi-final matches. Noskova, the sixth seed, is set to contest her third final of the season after advancing through a walkover from the second-seeded Elena Rybakina, who withdrew due to a persistent back injury. The Kazakh player expressed her regret over the decision, stating her inability to compete at full capacity and hoping to return to the court next year.
In the other semi-final, Bencic, ranked 13th and the fifth seed, faced a stern challenge from American Sofia Kenin, the tenth seed. The match was a nail-biter, concluding in three sets with a score of 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-2 after two hours and 15 minutes of intense play. This victory marks Bencic’s second final appearance at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, nearly a decade after she first reached the final as an 18-year-old.
Post-match, Bencic reflected on the grueling nature of her encounter with Kenin. “It was a very difficult match, for sure. I’m really exhausted at this point. I just tried to shorten the points, take more risks and thankfully, today, it went my way,” she remarked. The Swiss credited the supportive crowd for their encouragement, which was instrumental in sustaining both players throughout the physical contest.
For Bencic, this match was part of a season where endurance has become a hallmark of her playstyle. Coming off her WTA 500 title win in Abu Dhabi earlier this season, she has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming multiple challenging matches, including a lengthy bout in Ningbo just before arriving in Tokyo.
Noskova, on the other hand, has enjoyed a less strenuous route to the final, spending only a scant 35 minutes on the court through her quarter-final and semi-final matches due to her opponent’s retirement and Rybakina’s walkover. This could prove to be a significant factor in the final, as a well-rested Noskova squares off against Bencic, who has endured a series of tough matches.
The final will be a historical affair, as Bencic and Noskova have never before clashed on the professional circuit. With Bencic’s competitive spirit and Noskova’s recent upward trajectory, tennis fans can expect a riveting showdown as they vie for the prestigious title.
