Belinda Bencic (WTA 12) did not flinch against Serena Williams (407) in the 2nd round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto. The St-Galloise won 6-2 6-4 ahead of the American, who announced Tuesday her next retirement.
Serena Willams only had one break point which she did not convert in this meeting perfectly controlled by Belinda Bencic. With 25 winning strokes against 13 unforced errors, the Olympic champion delivered the goods to win after only 1h17 ‘of play.
At the end of the meeting, Serena Williams was on the verge of tears when it was time to take leave of the Canadian public. “I always liked playing here. I would have liked to play better tonight, but Belinda had a very good game,” underlined the American.
Serena Williams left the court very moved in Toronto. [Arlynx McAdorey – Imago]
Belinda Bencic was, meanwhile, torn between two feelings. “I am of course happy with my victory, but there was a certain sadness in the air tonight, she confessed. I don’t want her to retire. You’re starting to really realize how much she’s been able to accomplish.”
“To face her tonight was not easy. Watching her, I was sometimes a little paralyzed. The public was extraordinary. I tell myself that this is even stronger at the US Open. I wish good luck to the players who will face him at Flushing Meadows…”
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