Belinda Bencic now has two triumphs in Tokyo after beating Linda Noskova 6-2 6-3 to win the Japanese WTA 500 tournament.
Early in the Tokyo final, the fifth-seeded Swiss went on a big run after claiming back-to-back breaks and winning four games in a row from 2-2.
While Noskova stabilized at the start of the second set and managed to get the score tied to three games apiece, Bencic stepped up once again and took the next three games to complete her two-set win.
During the final, Bencic impressively fired six aces and converted five of her eight break point chances.
For the Swiss, this was her 10th WTA title. Also, this was her second victory in the Japanese capital - she won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics a couple of years ago.
On the other side, Noskova - who also recently finished as runner-up to Amanda Anisimova in the Beijing final - remains at one title in her collection.
Bencic reacts to winning Tokyo
It was wonderful playing in front of you guys. The last time I won here was the Tokyo Olympics when it was an empty stadium, so it was a completely different atmosphere, but it was great to play in front of you guys. I love to play in Japan, so Im super happy to finally win this tournament," the 28-year-old Swiss told the Japanese crowd.
Bencic also had a classy message for Noskova.
First of all I want to congratulate Linda. You had a great couple of tournaments. Youre a wonderful player. For sure you will win many titles," the Swiss told Noskova.
Bencic is now also slated to compete in next week's WTA tournament in Hong Kong, where she drew Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the first round. It remains to be seen if the 28-year-old will decide to give herself rest and skip Hong Kong at the last moment.
