Belinda Bencic continued her remarkable post-maternity comeback story, capturing her second WTA title since becoming a mother after defeating Czech rising star Linda Noskova 6-2, 6-3 in the Pan Pacific Open final on Sunday.
Ten years after finishing runner-up to Agnieszka Radwanska in Tokyo, the 28-year-old Swiss returned to lift the trophy, marking the 10th WTA title of her career.
Bencic, who gave birth to her first child in 2024, made her return to the circuit just four months ago after more than a year away. She has since reclaimed her place among the world’s elite, rising from a ranking of 1,213 to World No.13, and even reached the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this year.
“I feel like Tokyo and Japan is a happy place for me. I had a déjà vu moment on court — the same serve, same side, same thoughts — it gave me goosebumps,” said an emotional Bencic, who also won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.
Bencic’s earlier 2025 title came in Abu Dhabi, proving her return is more than just a feel-good story — it’s a statement.
“Coming back was not easy,” she added. “It’s taken a lot of belief and hard work, but I’m proud to see that I can still reach my best level — or even better.”
Noskova, 20, who also finished runner-up at the China Open earlier this month, continues to chase her second WTA title despite another promising run.
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