Belinda Bencic Wins Pan Pacific Open Title in Tokyo
Belinda Bencic secured her 10th career title today, defeating Linda Noskova 6-2, 6-3 in the final of the WTA’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
The Swiss player dominated the match, which concluded yesterday, breaking Noskova’s serve three times and finishing the contest in one hour and 22 minutes. This victory marks a return to form for Bencic in Tokyo, where she previously won Olympic singles gold and doubles silver four years ago. The win also boosts her ranking and positions her well for the upcoming end-of-season tournaments.
“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.” Bencic’s path to the final was challenging, requiring over five hours of court time across back-to-back three-set matches in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.
Noskova, meanwhile, had a comparatively easier route to the final, advancing due to a retirement and a walkover after Elena Rybakina withdrew from their semifinal match citing a back problem. You can find more information about the WTA Tour and its rankings here. The Pan Pacific Open is a significant event on the WTA 1000 circuit.
Tournament officials confirmed Bencic will now travel to prepare for her next scheduled competition.
