Rybarikova withdrew after achieving her goal to secure year-end ranking, while Bencic battled through three sets to reach the final aiming for her second title post-maternity!

The WTA500 Tokyo semifinals concluded: In the first semifinal, Rybarikova, who had already qualified for the WTA year-end championships, suddenly announced her withdrawal due to a back injury before the match, allowing Noskova to advance to the final without playing. In the other semifinal, Bencic fought hard to defeat Grand Slam champion Kenin, narrowly securing her spot in the final.

In her withdrawal statement, Rybarikova said, “My back has been uncomfortable throughout this week, making it impossible to perform at full capacity. It’s unfortunate that fans won’t see me compete today, but I look forward to returning next year.”

Many netizens agreed with this decision, noting that Rybarikova had been nonstop since winning the Ningbo tournament and rushed straight to Tokyo without any rest. Considering the high prize money at the year-end championships, sustaining an injury in Tokyo would have been counterproductive.

Turning attention to the other side, the tournament’s fifth seed, Swiss player Bencic, battled through three sets to defeat American Kenin 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-2. This victory holds great significance for Bencic. Ten years ago, at just 18, she fought her way to the final here but lost to Poland’s Agnieszka Radwańska, finishing runner-up. This marks Bencic’s second final this season and the 20th of her career on the tour.

From the start, both players were evenly matched. In the first set, each held serve through 12 games, leading to a 6-6 tie. In the tiebreak, Bencic elevated her game at the crucial moment, winning it 7-5 with a forehand winner after a grueling hour to claim the first set.

Former Australian Open champion Kenin did not give up; she launched a strong counterattack early in the second set. She broke serve in the fourth game, and although she faced some difficulties in her own service games afterward, she maintained composure and took the set 6-3.

In the deciding set, Bencic used her experience to adjust tactics. After leveling at 1-1, she secured a break to lead 3-1, then controlled the match tempo by winning three consecutive games, ultimately closing the set 6-2. Notably, Bencic did not face any break points in the final set.

After the match, Bencic admitted she was nearly drained physically. “This was definitely a very tough match, and right now I’m completely exhausted,” she said. “I’m not sure how I got through it. I just tried to shorten the rallies, take more risks, and play aggressively. Luckily, the strategy worked today.”

Bencic also expressed special thanks to the crowd’s support: “When you’re tired, your mind pushes you to keep going, but your body resists. If you have the will to persevere, you find a way.”

Bencic and Noskova have never faced each other before, making the final their first encounter. Bencic is both excited and realistic about the final: “She’s definitely in great form and a strong player, so I expect tomorrow to be another tough battle.”

For Bencic, Tokyo holds special significance in her tennis career — it was here, at the Olympics in this city several years ago, that she won the women’s singles gold medal. Returning now, she hopes to extend that Olympic glory into the WTA tour.

Bencic is just one step away from her second title of the season and the ninth tour-level championship of her career. A victory would mark one of her most meaningful wins since returning from maternity leave.

The final will be a true test of both mental and physical strength. Noskova, as a young rising star, advanced to the final without playing in the semifinal, well-rested; meanwhile, Bencic endured a tough three-set battle. Regardless, this Swiss star has already proven that the resilience of a mother on tour is far more compelling than any technical stat.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)