Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic claimed her second WTA title since becoming a mother after defeating Linda Noskova in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old, who now has 10 career WTA titles, beat the Czech player 6-2, 6-3 in a dominant performance.
Ten years ago, Bencic lost the same final to Agnieszka Radwanska, but this time she made sure history did not repeat itself.
A winning return to form
Bencic’s win in Tokyo follows her earlier triumph in Abu Dhabi, which came just 10 months after giving birth to her first child. She only returned to the tour in October 2024, after more than a year away on maternity leave.
“I feel like Tokyo and Japan is a happy place in my career,” said Bencic, who also won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.
“I had a déjà vu moment on court — I served for match point on the same side as before and told myself the same things. I had goosebumps; it was really special.”
Climbing back up the rankings
When Bencic returned to competition, her ranking had dropped to 1,213, but she has now climbed back up to world number 13. Earlier this year, she also reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon, where she lost to eventual champion Iga Swiatek.
“I’m really enjoying being back on tour, and I think it’s showing in the results,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier — this wasn’t something I planned.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work and self-belief, but I’m proud to prove to myself that I can reach — and maybe even beat — my best level again.”
Noskova falls short again
For 20-year-old Noskova, it was another tough loss after falling in the China Open final earlier this month. She was hoping to add to her single WTA title but could not match Bencic’s experience and control on the day.