The teen made a strong run throughout the tournament, defeating German Annika Beck and Russian Daria Kasatkina in straight sets at 7-6(3), 6-3 and 6-4, 6-3 respectively. The quarterfinals placed her against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, where she would fight back from a set down to dominate the match by a large margin in the following sets, winning at 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2.
“As a small kid, everyone is dreaming to one day become Top 10. And now I realize that all the hard work paid off,” commented Belinda on the WTA website. “This is an amazing moment for me and just… my dream. My goal is reached." This marks her first time in the Top 10.
In women’s doubles, Martina Hingis (EZONE DR 100, POLYTOUR PRO 125, POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION L) and partner Sania Mirza prolonged their winning streak, securing their 40th straight match win to earn the tournament’s doubles title. Up against pair Vera Dushevina and Barbora Krejcikova, the team won the title in straight sets at 6-3, 6-1. They would win all but one match overwhelmingly in straight sets.
St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy Tournament Results
Women’s Singles (Final)
[2] Roberta Vinci (ITA) def. [1] Belinda Bencic (EZONE DR 100, POLYTOUR PRO 125)(SUI) 6-4, 6-3
Women’s Doubles (Final)
[1] Martina Hingis (EZONE DR 100, POLYTOUR PRO 125, POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION L)(SUI)/Sania Mirza (IND) def. Vera Dushevina (RUS)/Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) 6-3, 6-1
*Photos taken at 2016 Australian Open