Post by : Sameer Farouq

Belinda Bencic has advanced to the final of the Pan Pacific Open, securing her spot with a hard-fought victory over American Sofia Kenin, winning 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-2 on Saturday. This achievement marks her second final appearance at this tournament since her debut a decade ago. The Swiss athlete showcased her perseverance and skill as she aims for her second title this season.

The match commenced on the covered center court at Ariake Coliseum due to rainfall, with both competitors exhibiting powerful serves in the early games. The first set was intensely competitive and was decided in a dramatic tiebreak, where Bencic raised her game to clinch it 7-6(5), gaining an important early advantage.

Kenin Stages a Comeback
Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion, retaliated in the second set. She successfully broke Bencic's serve early on and managed to recover from a slight scare in the following game. With her aggressive tactics, Kenin took the second set 6-3, forcing a deciding set.

In the third set, Bencic regained her dominance and broke Kenin early for a 3-1 lead. Despite a few errors from both competitors, the 28-year-old Swiss player displayed her composure and secured the final set decisively at 6-2. This victory brings Bencic closer to winning her second WTA title of the year.

Linda Noskova Advances to the Final
Bencic is set to compete against Linda Noskova in the final, as Noskova progressed by way of a walkover. Her semifinal opponent, Elena Rybakina, withdrew due to a back injury. Rybakina had already secured her spot in the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh after reaching the semi-finals in Tokyo.

Noskova, who recently finished as the runner-up at the China Open to Amanda Anisimova, aspires to clinch her second career WTA title. She triumphed at last year’s Monterrey Open and is eager to extend her successful run against Bencic in the final.

The impending final at the Pan Pacific Open promises an enthralling showdown between the seasoned Bencic and the promising talent of Noskova. Both athletes have demonstrated exceptional form and determination in the tournament, setting up a highly competitive match as Bencic seeks her second title of the season while Noskova aims for victory.

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