Belinda Bencic Claims Pan Pacific Open Crown
Belinda Bencic claims her 10th WTA title with a convincing win over Linda Noskova in Tokyo. Read more.
“I feel like Tokyo and Japan is a happy place in my career, a place where I've had good success and I just love being here...”
The world number 13 showed no signs of fatigue despite playing back-to-back matches at Tokyo's Ariake Coliseum. She broke her opponent early, securing a 4-2 lead in the opening set before wrapping it up with another service game.
In the second set, Bencic held her nerve in a thrilling six-deuce game to take a 3-2 lead. She continued to battle on serve, producing another impressive display to put herself just two games away from a memorable victory.
Belinda Bencic claimed her 10th WTA title with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 win over Linda Noskova in the Pan Pacific Open final. This victory marks a triumphant return to the winner's circle for Bencic, who had struggled with her ranking after taking a maternity break in 2023.
First set, @BelindaBencic 🙌
— wta (@WTA) October 26, 2025
She wins the opener 6-2 against Noskova 👊#TorayPPO pic.twitter.com/bLp74tGIoN
The win holds special significance for Bencic, who was defeated in the final of the same tournament 10 years ago by Agnieszka Radwanska. Bencic's triumph in Tokyo showcases her remarkable comeback, highlighted by her earlier win in Abu Dhabi this year. With this win, Bencic rises to world No. 11, putting her within striking distance of the top 10.
Bencic expressed her joy and satisfaction, saying, “It was wonderful playing in front of you guys. 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.”
The victory is a testament to Bencic's hard work and determination, particularly given the challenges she faced after becoming a mother. Her impressive performance in Tokyo solidifies her position as a top contender in women's tennis.
“I feel like Tokyo and Japan is a happy place in my career, a place where I've had good success and I just love being here,” said Bencic, who won the Tokyo Olympics gold medal in 2021.
“I had a deja vu moment on court. I had match point on the same side of the court, went for the same serve and was telling myself the same things. I had goosebumps, it was really special. It's great to win here again.”
A Different Feeling
“It was wonderful playing in front of you,” Bencic said.
“The last time I won here ... it was an empty stadium - so it was a completely different atmosphere, but it was great,” she said, referring to the Olympics held during the COVID pandemic.
“... I'm super happy to finally win this tournament.”
2015: Runner-up in Tokyo 🥈
— wta (@WTA) October 26, 2025
2025: Champion in Tokyo 🏆@BelindaBencic worth the wait 👏#TorayPPO pic.twitter.com/0ENsAwmz1k
Linda Noskova's week in Tokyo ended on a disappointing note. She reached the final after Elena Rybakina's injury withdrawal and benefited from a walkover in her quarterfinal match against Anna Kalinskaya.
Noskova's loss in the final means she has only one title to her name, which she won in Monterrey last year. Earlier this month, she was beaten in the China Open final by Amanda Anisimova.
“Obviously today was not my day,” Noskova said.
“Bmut congratulations to Belinda. She played incredible this week and today. I'm very happy to see you back, coming back from giving birth. It's such an achievement.”
“I definitely look up to you in so many ways. It was a great experience, although not a lucky one for me to play you today.”
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