Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has delivered a commanding performance to overcome Italy's Jasmine Paolini in a crucial United Cup tie at Perth's RAC Arena. The world No.11 secured a straight-sets victory, 6-4, 6-3, over the world No.8 in a match that lasted 112 minutes.
Bencic's Renaissance Continues in Perth
In her second full season back from maternity leave, the 28-year-old Bencic showcased the form that marked her impressive 2025 comeback. This win was far from a simple upset; it was a statement. Facing an opponent ranked three places higher, Bencic played with precision and control to dispatch the Italian, proving her return to the sport's elite is firmly on track.
The victory is particularly significant for Switzerland's hopes in the United Cup's Group C. With the race for a quarter-final spot expected to be intensely competitive, Bencic's win puts her nation in a strong position. Switzerland now eyes either winning the group or securing one of the best runner-up berths available to Perth-based teams. The final group outcome will also hinge on Italy's upcoming match against France on Tuesday.
A Masterclass in Control and Defence
The clash was the highest-ranked singles duel in Perth, pitting a former Wimbledon semi-finalist against a previous finalist from the All England Club. Bencic seized control with a pivotal break at 4-4 in the opening set, culminating a gripping 12-shot rally with a stunning passing shot down the line. She then served out the set with authority.
Her dominance continued in the second set. An early break gave Bencic a firm advantage. Although Paolini showed tremendous grit to save two break points and survive a marathon seven-deuce game at 4-2 down, it only delayed the inevitable. Bencic's remarkable consistency was key; she committed just nine unforced errors in the second set compared to Paolini's 15. The Swiss player consistently applied pressure on the Italian's serve, eventually closing out the match after Paolini sent two shots wide.
Perfect Launchpad for Australian Open Campaign
Beyond the team competition, this win serves as ideal preparation for Bencic's upcoming Australian Open campaign. She will arrive at Melbourne Park looking to build on her fourth-round appearance from last year, and this confident display against a top-10 rival sends an ominous warning to the rest of the field.
The performance underlined Bencic's status as a player fully restored to her best. Her combination of aggressive shot-making, resilient defence, and clinical execution under pressure in Perth suggests she is a genuine threat for deep runs in the weeks ahead. For Switzerland, her triumph provides a vital edge in a tightly contested United Cup group.
