Sofia Kenin on fire! Destroys Belinda Bencic in Charleston Open rout

Sofia Kenin secured her second consecutive victory at the Charleston Open, defeating Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic 6-0, 6-3. The 24-year-old delivered an outstanding performance on clay, overwhelming the Swiss star, who won the tournament in 2022 and was runner-up in 2023.

Bencic had not played an official match on clay since May 2023, when she lost in the first round of the French Open to Elina Avanesyan. Her last win on the surface had come nearly two years ago in Charleston, when she reached the final after defeating Jessica Pegula.

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Bencic’s rusty start sees Kenin dominate the first set

World No. 41 Bencic looked out of rhythm at the start, making several unforced errors that allowed No. 44 Kenin to take an early 2-0 lead. Although Kenin had multiple break chances in the third game, errors proved costly, and the American maintained her advantage.

The match struggled to find any rhythm, with few rallies due to Bencic’s mistakes. The Swiss player seemed far from the level she has displayed throughout the season. Kenin, meanwhile, capitalized on her opportunities, staying solid from the baseline and forcing Bencic to take risks. The 2020 Australian Open champion didn’t have to overexert herself, winning six consecutive games to claim the first set 6-0.

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The American won 60% of her service points and an impressive 72% of return points, hitting three aces and no double faults. She was flawless under pressure, converting all three of her break points and saving all four break points she faced.

Bencic fights back but Kenin stays in control

Bencic finally held serve for the first time in the match to level at 1-1 in the second set. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist quickly found her footing, creating multiple break chances and converting on her fourth opportunity to take the lead. She then saved three break points in the following game to move ahead 3-1.

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However, Bencic’s resurgence was short-lived, as Kenin swiftly regained control. The American won 12 of the next 15 points, surging to a 4-3 lead. Under pressure, Bencic struggled on serve, ultimately gifting Kenin the decisive break. In the closing moments, Kenin missed a couple of match points but sealed the win 6-0, 6-3, reeling off five consecutive games.

With the victory, Kenin advances to the Round of 16, where she will face fifth seed Daria Kasatkina (No. 12), who breezed past Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-1. This will be Kasatkina’s first tournament competing under the Australian flag following her recent nationality switch.

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