Belinda Bencic (WTA 18) è riuscita a ripetere l'exploit di due mesi or sono a Indian Wells eliminando ai quarti di finale del torneo di Madrid la numero uno al mondo Naomi Osaka! La sangallese si è imposta in rimonta per 3-6 6-2 7-5.
Dopo un'inizio complicato che l'ha vista subire un break e finire sotto 3-1, la svizzera ha reagito, rubando il servizio alla sua avversaria e arrivando sul 3-3. In quel momento la Osaka ha però cambiato marcia e, grazie ad un altro break, ha fatto suo il primo set. Storia opposta nella seconda frazione, che ha visto la Bencic partire forte per poi subire il ritorno dell'avversaria, ma la 22enne non si è fatta intimidire ed è andata ad imporsi.
Ancora più combattuto il terzo e decisivo set, con palle break da una parte e dall'altra. La prima a rubare il servizio è stata la giapponese ma con un finale incredibile la Bencic ha ribaltato la situazione infilando ben quattro giochi consecutivi che le sono valse il successo. Belinda ora sfiderà Simona Halep (3) in semifinale, già affrontata (e battuta) quest'anno a Dubai.
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