TOKYO – Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic captured the Pan Pacific Open title on Sunday with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Czech sixth seed Linda Noskova, marking a stunning return to form after her maternity break.
The win gave Bencic her 10th WTA career title and second of the year, adding to her Abu Dhabi Open triumph in February. The Tokyo victory also erased memories of her 2014 loss to Agnieszka Radwanska in the same event’s final. “First of all, I want to congratulate Linda,” Bencic said after the match. “You’re a wonderful player, and I’m sure you’ll win many titles. It was an honour to share the court with you.”
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The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist showed no fatigue despite tough earlier rounds, breaking Noskova twice in the opening set and maintaining her dominance throughout. In the second set, Bencic displayed superb defensive resilience and sealed the victory with a crisp forehand winner.
Reflecting on the moment, Bencic said: “The last time I won here was the Tokyo Olympics, and it was an empty stadium — so this atmosphere was completely different. I love to play in Japan, so I’m super happy to finally win this tournament.”
For Noskova, it was a bittersweet conclusion to a fortunate week, having advanced to the final after Elena Rybakina’s withdrawal due to injury. The 20-year-old, who also finished runner-up at the China Open, praised Bencic’s comeback. “Congratulations to Belinda — she played incredible this week,” Noskova said. “Coming back from giving birth is such an achievement. I definitely look up to you.”
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