Belinda Bencic secured her second WTA championship since becoming a parent by defeating Linda Noskova in the Toray Pan Pacific Open final.
Bencic, aged 28, now with a total of 10 WTA tournament victories, previously faced defeat in the final of this competition against Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets a decade prior.
However, she overpowered Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic with a score of 6-2, 6-3 to claim the championship this instance.
Bencic’s other WTA victory this year occurred in Abu Dhabi, merely 10 months following the birth of her first child – and not even four months following her return from a maternity leave that spanned more than a year.
“I perceive Tokyo and Japan as a fortunate locale in my career, a place where I’ve experienced positive achievements, and I simply enjoy being present here,” expressed Bencic, representing Switzerland, who also earned a gold medal in women’s singles at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“I encountered a moment of déjà vu on the court. I had match point situated on the identical side of the court, executed the same serve, and was reiterating the same affirmations to myself. I experienced goosebumps; it was truly exceptional. It’s wonderful to triumph here once more.”
Upon Bencic’s return to the sport in October 2024, a former world number four in 2020, her global ranking had diminished to 1,213.
She has since ascended to 13th in the rankings and, earlier in the year, progressed to the semi-finals at Wimbledon before encountering defeat against Iga Swiatek, the eventual champion.
“I am genuinely relishing my return to the tour, and I believe it is reflected in the outcomes,” she further commented.
“I couldn’t be more content, and I am undoubtedly surprised. This was certainly not prearranged.”
“It entails diligent effort, but it also involves substantial self-assurance and mental fortitude.”
“I am genuinely pleased to possess this confirmation within myself, affirming my capability to endeavor to surpass even my prior best ranking.”
Noskova, aged 20, also faced defeat in the China Open final earlier in the month and aimed to augment her singular WTA victory.
