Defending Champion Belinda Bencic Stunned at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship
Follow Us
Belinda Bencic faced Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in her opening match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The two had met 6 times previously, with Bencic leading the head to head with 5 wins.
A very poor start by Anastasia in the opening set was quickly forgotten as she came back with renewed fight and determination in the next two sets to win the match 1-6, 6-1, 6-1.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
First Set: Easy pickings for Belinda Bencic
Belinda got off to a great start in the opening set, breaking Pavlyuchenkova in second game to go 2-0 up. The Swiss was serving quite well too as she consolidated the break with a hold to love.
The Russian looked shaken with the poor start and played a very tentative service game, unable to get her first serve in. She quickly went down -40 and hit an untimelt double fault to give Bencic her second break in the set.
Trending
Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint
April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
‘Have a Little More Respect’- Danielle Collins Lashes Out at Noisy Fan in Novak Djokovic-Style as Heated Scenes Erupt at Madrid Open
April 28, 2024 07:37 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Tennis Fans Caught Aryna Sabalenka’s New Boyfriend. Here’s Everything You Need to Know about This Brazilian Businessman
April 27, 2024 11:09 AM EDT
Madrid Open: Who Is Danielle Collins’ Next Opponent? Everything to Know About the 25-YO Romanian WTA Star
April 28, 2024 09:59 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
There was no looking back after that as Bencic continued to hold serve well. Pavlyuchenkova looked completely lost in the set. It looked more like a practice match for Belinda than a competition. The Swiss took the first set 6-1 and looked very much in command of the match.
Pavlyuchenkova fights back
Belinda Bencic crumbles
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad