Linda Noskova may have easily lost the Tokyo final match, but that didn't prevent her from sending out a very classy message to Belinda Bencic as the rising Czech star applauded the 28-year-old for the results she has had since coming back to tennis as a mother.
On Sunday, Bencic lifted her 10th WTA title after overcoming Noskova 6-3 6-2 in the final of the WTA 500 tournament in Tokyo. The Swiss, who launched her post-pregnancy comeback in very late 2024, now has two titles in 2025, having also won Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
When Bencic returned to tennis, she was ranked outside the top-1000. This week, the 28-year-old started as the 13th-ranked player in the world. By winning Tokyo and collecting a solid amount of points, the Swiss is now due to continue her rise and will sit at No. 11 when the WTA updates its rankings list on Monday.
It was the first meeting between Noskova and Bencic.
Noskova to Bencic: Coming back from giving birth, it is such an achievement
“I just wanted to thank you all for the support. Obviously today was not my day. But all congratulations to Belinda. She played incredible this week and today. I’m very happy to see you back, coming back from giving birth. It’s such an achievement. I definitely look up to you in so many ways. It was a great experience, although not a very lucky one for me to play with you today. But congrats and good luck," 20-year-old Noskova said during her runner-up speech.
Linda Noskova after losing to Bencic in Tokyo final:
“I just wanted to thank you all for the support. Obviously today was not my day. But all congratulations to Belinda. She played incredible this week and today. I’m very happy to see you back, coming back from giving birth.… pic.twitter.com/uqPeHea0OC
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 26, 2025
Noskova has now lost three finals this year. However, the 20-year-old Czech is still a WTA champion since she won Monterrey last year.
