Belinda Bencic edges Clara Tauson

Belinda Bencic will compete in the third round of the Madrid Open. Competing in the Spanish capital for the first time in three years, the 2019 semi-finalist prevailed over an in-form Clara Tauson 7-5, 7-5 in an hour and 55 minutes.

Clara had her chances to extend the duel and chase the win. The young Dane served for the opener in the tenth game before dropping three straight games. Belinda kept her composure in two challenging service games of the second set. 

She provided a late break to seal the deal and avoid spending more time on the court against world no. 23.

Turning the dial 🎚️@BelindaBencic puts on a dominate showing to knock out Tauson 7-5, 7-5!#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/1kPsyjGzr1

— wta (@WTA) April 24, 2025

The Swiss had the upper hand in the pivotal moments. She outplayed her rival behind the second serve and defended six of seven break points to keep the pressure on the other side. Clara dominated with her first serve but struggled on the second.

She faced three break points and experienced as many breaks to end his campaign in the second round. They served well early on, and Belinda landed a forehand drive-volley winner in the seventh game for 4-3 in 26 minutes. 

Tauson held after deuces in the eighth game to remain on the positive side and stepped in on the return in the next one. The Dane landed a forehand winner to secure a break and move 5-4 in front. Clara served for the opener in game ten and cracked under pressure.

The younger player hit a double fault and experienced a break at 15 to keep her rival in contention. Belinda defended a break point in game 11 and held for 6-5 after the rival’s loose forehand. Tauson served to stay in the set in game 12 and sprayed more errors. 

She hit a double fault and offered Bencic two set points. The Dane sprayed another double fault on the first, allowing the Swiss…