The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist then watched as her 4-2 tiebreak lead suddenly morphed into two set points for Ostapenko. It was then Bencic’s turn to show her resolve, as she ran away with the last four points to close out the 2017 French Open title holder with a 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory.
“I tried to stay consistent, stay tough in important moments. Glad that it was enough today,” said Bencic. “Obviously very happy with the win and with the chance to play another round.”
Bencic missed the majority of the 2024 season, having given birth to her daughter Bella last April. The former world No. 4 returned in October at an ITF event in Hamburg and later finished runner-up to Alycia Parks at the WTA 125 tournament in Angers.
While the 27-year-old doesn’t believe she’s playing with extra motivation as a new mother, the role has changed her overall approach to the sport.
“I think it gives me more of, a like, relaxed mode because I think I always want to do my best. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself,” she said. “Now I feel like it’s a bit easier to play because, yeah, there’s something more important than tennis.”
