Bencic defeats Nosková in Tokyo Final Despite Fierce Resistance
TOKYO – Belinda Bencic claimed victory over Linda Nosková in the Tokyo final, winning in a hard-fought match after taking the first set. This marks the first career meeting between the two players, with the Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo 2021 proving too strong despite a determined effort from the rising Czech star.
the match began with Nosková pressing on the return, earning three break points in the opening game but failing to convert. Both players then held serve, maintaining parity early in the set. Though, Bencic secured a break in the sixth game and consolidated it, ultimately closing out the first set 6-3 after 32 minutes, converting her second set point.
The second set saw Bencic begin with three consecutive aces. Nosková battled to hold her serve,taking risks that occasionally resulted in double faults,but she remained competitive in the rallies. She created five break point opportunities in the fifth game but was unable to break Bencic’s serve.
Bencic reached the final after a challenging semifinal win against sofia Kenin, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2.nosková, simultaneously occurring, advanced to the title match without a contest as Jelena Rybakina withdrew due to back pain. This was the second time Nosková benefited from an opponent’s withdrawal during the tournament, as Anna Kalinská retired due to injury in the quarterfinals while Nosková led 6-0, 1-0.
This was Nosková’s third final appearance of the year, following losses to Maria Bouzková in Prague and Amanda Anisimova in Beijing. She previously secured her sole WTA title in Monterrey, Mexico, last year.
Bencic’s path to the final also included a dramatic quarterfinal victory over Karolína Muchová, where she saved a match point and prevailed 3-6, 7-5, 7-5.Nosková will finish the season as the Czech Republic’s No. 1 player.
