Bencic redeems Tokyo final with seasoned poise
After a punishing semifinal slog, Belinda Bencic confronted a fresh Linda Noskova in Tokyo’s decisive match, channeling tactical depth and quiet resolve to secure a milestone victory that bridges her past and present.
In the charged confines of Ariake Coliseum, Belinda Bencic strode onto the court for the Toray Pan Pacific Open final, her frame carrying the weight of recent exertions yet her focus unyielding. The 28-year-old Swiss had navigated a gauntlet to reach this stage, now facing 20-year-old Linda Noskova, whose path had been remarkably brief. On the indoor hard court, where every bounce carried speed and intent, Bencic’s experience promised to counter the younger player’s vitality.
Grueling path sharpens final edge
Bencic’s route through the draw demanded endurance, with 5 hours and 23 minutes spent in back-to-back three-set battles over the prior two days. She staged a comeback in the quarterfinal against Karolina Muchova, erasing a set deficit and staving off a match point to advance. Noskova, meanwhile, required only 35 minutes across her quarterfinal retirement and semifinal walkover, arriving with energy to spare. This contrast heightened the stakes, as Bencic, back from maternity leave, sought to harness her hardcourt savvy amid the tournament’s unfolding rhythm—details evident in the Tokyo: Scores | Draw | Order of play.
From the outset, Bencic dictated terms with deep crosscourt forehands that tested Noskova’s positioning, forcing the Czech into longer rallies where patience prevailed over power. Noskova’s aggressive one–two combinations occasionally landed inside-in winners, but Bencic’s anticipation allowed her to redirect with underspin backhands, slowing the tempo and drawing unforced errors. The crowd’s rising hum underscored the shift, as the veteran began to impose her rhythm.
“It was wonderful playing in front of you guys,” Bencic said after the match. “The last time I won here was the Tokyo Olympics when it was an empty stadium, so it was a completely different atmosphere, but it was great to play in front of you guys. I love to play in Japan, so I’m super happy to finally win this tournament.”
Straight sets showcase tactical control
The first set unfolded as a masterclass in placement, Bencic breaking serve twice with inside-out forehands that exploited Noskova’s backhand side, securing a 6-2 lead in under 40 minutes. She varied her approach, slipping in slice serves to neutralize returns and open the court for down-the-line passes. Noskova’s flat groundstrokes found targets sporadically, yet Bencic’s court coverage absorbed the pressure, her steady baseline game turning defense into opportunity.
In the second set, at 3-3, Bencic held firm with a blend of deep returns and low slices that disrupted Noskova’s rhythm, prompting a decisive break. The younger player summoned bursts of speed for crosscourt winners, but the Swiss player’s mental composure—honed through seasons of high-stakes play—kept errors at bay. She closed out 6-3 after 1 hour and 22 minutes total, her restrained celebration masking the depth of her relief.
Redemption fuels rankings resurgence
This victory marked Bencic’s 10th career title and second of the season, a poignant reversal of her 2015 final loss here at age 18. As the Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo’s quiet 2021 Games, she now rises to No. 11 in the PIF WTA Rankings, nearing the top 10 once more. The win frames her resilient return, echoing the multi-title year from three seasons ago that bookended another tour hiatus.
Bencic’s poise in Tokyo not only heals an old scar but positions her for the tour’s final push, where her blend of experience and adaptability could unlock further breakthroughs on demanding surfaces ahead.
