While the players from the top are enjoying their time off the court, the former world no. 4 Belinda Bencic seeks form in the closing weeks of the season. Belinda gave birth to her first child earlier this year, staying away from the court for 13 months.
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Bencic returned to action at the end of October. SheenteredW75 events in Hamburg and Petange and delivered three victories. After a suitable rest, the Swiss is back on the court in Angers. She is through to the last eight after two dominant victories on an indoor court.
Belinda faced Patricia Maria Tig in the first round and earned a6-4, 6-1 triumph. The Swiss saved all four break points and took charge on the return in the second set to seal the deal in style. The former world no. 4 faced MariamBolkvadze in the second round.
The more experienced player delivered a 6-1, 6-1 victory in 69 minutes after another rock-solid performance. The Swiss dropped 13 points in seven service games anddefended two break points. Shedominated the return games, taking 60% of the points and creating six break points.
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Belinda seized five, controlling the pace and advancing to the last eight in no time. Bencic will face the home player, Oceane Dodin, in Friday's quarter-final.
Bencic sweeps Bolkvadze
Bolkvadze held after a deuce in the first game of the match and missed a game point at 1-1. Belinda extended the game with a forehand winner and drew the rival's error with a sharp return on a break chance for an early advantage. The Swiss cemented the break with a fine hold.
She made another push on the return at 3-1 and converted the second opportunity for another break. Bencic saved two break points in the sixth game and welcomed a forehand error from a left-hander for 5-1. Mariam served to stay in the set in the seventh game.
Bencic played well on the return and caused the rival's mistake to clinch the opener 6-1. The Swiss held after deuces in the first game of the second set and provided another break in the next one with a forehand winner.
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Belinda landed a service winner in the third game, rattling off nine games and sailing toward the top! Bolkvadze finally held in the fourth game, reducing the deficit before the former world no. 4 held at 15 for a 4-1 advantage. Bencic stepped in on the return in the sixth game.
She landed a crafty running winner at the net for a break at love, moving 5-1 up and serving for the win. The Swiss landed a backhand winner for 30-15 in the seventh game and generated match points with a service winner.
Belinda painted a forehand down the line winner, sealing the deal and moving to the last eight.
