World number 6 Lucie Safarova defeated world number 12 Belinda Bencic 6-2 ret. in the third round of the 2015 Western & Southern Open on Thursday morning.
Safarova Too Strong in Key Moments of Opening Set
With Bencic entering this match with an eight-match winning streak, it was hard to not see her winning this encounter, even if her opponent is ranked six places above her.
Continuing the momentum that got her wins over Grand Slam champions and finalists, the 18-year-old broke at the second time of asking in the opening game of the match. Unfortunately for the Swiss, she was unable to consolidate the break and was broken straight back by Safarova.
From there, both players continued to hold their serve for the next three games but it was the Czech number two who had more ease holding and more chances to break. Down 2-3, Bencic managed to save three break points before Safarova converted her fourth chance to go up a break for the first time in this match.
In women's tennis, a break of serve really isn't a break of serve until you consolidate it. The Czech from Brno did just that to go up a 5-2 lead. Noticeably, Bencic was hitting a lot of unforced errors - a bit uncharacteristic for her.
In the next game, Safarova only needed one set point to take the opening set, 6-2.
Bencic Retires Due to Right Wrist Injury
Immediately after the umpire Julie Kjendlie declared that Safarova had won the opening set, Bencic said she could not continue because of a right wrist injury. Both players hugged and understandably so, Lucie felt bad for Belinda and wished her a speedy recovery. After all of the tennis that the 18-year-old has played in the last week and a half, an injury was inevitably going to come and take its toll on the youngster.
What's Next for Bencic and Safarova?
Now, the biggest priority for Bencic has to be getting enough rest so her wrist can heal in time for the U.S. Open in less than two weeks.
The Swiss number one is supposed to play the Connecticut Open in New Haven next week but she could be withdrawing at some point in the next few days. Lucie Safarova will continue her great week in Cincinnati with a spot in the quarterfinals. She will play either Caroline Garcia or Elina Svitolina in the next round.