Bencic has new final spot in sight at Ricoh Open
10/06/16, 18:32
Belinda Bencic has won the ‘Swiss’ quarter-final at the Ricoh Open, beating her compatriot, qUalifier Viktorija Golubic (WTA-113) 7-6(6), 7-6(2).
The top seed forced an early break and played a variety of winners in the opening set. It looked as she was going to easily win it, but Golubic kept pace and at 5-4 equalized with a break
In the tiebreak the 19-year-old tournament favorite survived a 3-0 and 6-4 disadvantage and then won her first set point with attacking play.
In the sixth game, Bencic created a break chance for herself with a phenomenal forehand along the line and Golubic double faulted. However, the latter broke back immediately.
Finally the two Swiss ladies again came to a tiebreak, in which Bencic made the first point with a backhand return winner. At 6-2 the competition was decided by a forehand down the doubles alley by the 23-year-old Golubic, who had impressed with her nice single-handed backhand.
Bencic reaches the semi-final in her first tournament appearance since the beginning of April (Charleston) when a back injury forced her to the sidelines.
To reach the final stage the world number eight has to beat third seed, Kristina Mladenovic (WTA-32) from France. Bencic won their last confrontation in Rosmalen in a long three setter in the quarter-final last year.