Charleston, South Carolina – Belinda Bencic overcame a determined Dajana Yastremska in a hard-fought first-round match at the WTA 500 tournament in Charleston on Tuesday. The Swiss player secured a 6-2, 6-7(5-7), 6-3 victory after two and a half hours of play on the South Carolina clay.
Bencic, the No. 3 seed, initially appeared to be in control, taking the first set with relative ease. However, Yastremska, a Top 50 player, mounted a strong challenge in the second, ultimately forcing a tiebreak. Despite holding a lead, Bencic couldn’t close out the set, and Yastremska capitalized to level the match. The deciding set saw Bencic regain her composure, securing the win despite a fluctuating performance.
According to reports, Yastremska struggled with her serve throughout the match, providing openings for Bencic to exploit. Although the Swiss player faced challenges maintaining her advantage in the second set, she ultimately proved too strong for her Ukrainian opponent.
Bencic’s victory sets up a second-round encounter with 20-year-classic Czech player Sara Bejlek, currently ranked No. 40 in the world. This will be their first professional meeting. The Charleston tournament holds fond memories for Bencic, who claimed the title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023. She will be looking to build on this opening win and craft another deep run at the event.
Bencic’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and ten WTA titles. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in February 2020 and is currently ranked No. 12 as of March 30, 2026. Her early training was notably influenced by Melanie Molitor, the mother and coach of former world No. 1 Martina Hingis.
The WTA 500 event in Charleston is a significant stop on the women’s tennis calendar, attracting top players from around the globe. The tournament, held on green clay, presents a unique challenge for players transitioning from the hard courts of the earlier hard-court swing. The surface typically favors players with strong topspin and the ability to grind out points.
Bencic’s performance in Charleston will be closely watched as she continues her season. The tournament offers valuable ranking points and serves as critical preparation for the upcoming clay-court season, culminating in the French Open. Her ability to adapt to the Charleston conditions and maintain consistency will be key to her success.
The Swiss player’s path to the title won’t be easy, with several other highly-ranked players competing in the tournament. However, her experience and proven track record on clay suggest she is a strong contender. Fans will be eager to see if she can replicate her past success in Charleston and add another title to her impressive resume.
Bencic’s next match against Sara Bejlek promises to be an intriguing contest. Bejlek, a rising star in the tennis world, will undoubtedly present a tough challenge. The match is scheduled to take place on [Date and Time to be confirmed – checking WTA official schedule].
For the latest updates and results from the Charleston tournament, visit the official WTA website: http://www.belinda-bencic.com.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Charleston tournament and all the latest news from the world of tennis.
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