Tokyo Olympics 2021: Belinda Bencic vs Markéta Vondroušová: Why women's tennis remains unpredictable

Women’s tennis continues to retain its tendency of producing new champions. World number 12 Belinda Bencic will face the 42nd-ranked Markéta Vondroušová in the singles finals at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. 

Match Details:  

Women’s Singles Finals - Gold Medal Match
Date: 31st July 2021
Time: TBD
Venue: Centre Court, Ariake Tennis Park

Did you know?

This is the first time in history of tennis that there are no top-10 ranked players in the women’s singles finals at the Olympic Games. 

Belinda Bencic vs Markéta Vondroušová: Olympics Finals

Vondroušová leads the H2H record 1-0 against Bencic. The Czech defeated the Swiss star in 3 sets in the 3rd round at the Miami Open in March 2021.  

Interestingly, Vondroušová and Bencic were doubles partners in the French Open in May 2018. However, they lost in straight sets to the Russian duo of Lucie Safarova and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Key Insights:

• Belinda Bencic has reached both the singles and doubles finals at the Tokyo Olympics. The Swiss youngster and Viktorija Golubic will take on the Czech pair of Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova.
• Markéta Vondroušová has won her last 4 matches in straight sets each.
• Bencic is aiming to become the 3rd female tennis player to win both the singles and doubles gold in the same edition of the Olympics. Venus Williams and Serena Williams achieved the rare feat in 2000 and 2012 respectively.
• Belinda Bencic has clinched her last 3 matches in straight sets each.

How did Bencic and Vondrousova prove everyone wrong?

Any tennis fan would have predicted players like Ashleigh Barty (Wimbledon 2021 champion), Aryna Sabalenka (World number 2), Naomi Osaka (home favorite), and Petra Kvitova (bronze medallist in 2016 Olympics) to win a medal. But, all the higher-ranked players fell like a pack of cards in Tokyo. 

Belinda Bencic (24) and Markéta Vondroušová (22) have displayed composure under pressure, fearless tennis, and also survived the hot conditions in Japan’s capital.  

Bencic outlasted 3 in-form opponents in 3 sets each in a row. The Swiss star edged past reigning Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova  1-6 6-2 6-3 in the 3rd round. 

Further, she overcame a topsy-turvy encounter (6-0 3-6 6-3) against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (French Open 2021 runner-up) in the quarters. The 12-ranked Belinda Bencic managed the hectic scheduling effectively. She took out World number 20 Elena Rybakina 7-6 4-6 6-3 in the semifinals.

Known more for her exploits on the red dirt after reaching the French Open finals in 2019, Vondroušová has adapted well to hard courts. The World number 42 routed 4-time grand slam champ Naomi Osaka 6-1 6-4, beat 29th ranked Paula Badosa 6-3 (retired hurt), and also overcame the World number 6 Elina Svitolina 6-3 6-1 in the semis.

Wrapping Up

Despite playing a 2-hour 44-minute semifinal against Elena Rybakina, Bencic will be fresh after a 1-day break. The Swiss star would be relieved as the organizers have pushed her doubles finals with Golubic to Sunday (August 1). 

The 24-year-old will have to reduce her double fault count and unforced errors (12 and 34 respectively against Rybakina) to win the converted gold medal.  

On the other hand, Vondroušová has been unstoppable at the Tokyo Olympics. The Czech youngster outplayed higher-ranked Elina Svitolina by losing just 4 games in the semis. 

Marketa will be raring to go after playing only for 64 minutes in her previous match. She would depend heavily on her first serve and try to grab at least 70% of points. 

Markéta Vondroušová is better in breakpoint conversion and the southpaw can trouble Belinda Bencic with her clever angles. Expect Vondroušová to enter the history books and Bencic to fall just short of glory. Women’s tennis needs new faces and the Czech is truly one!

Prediction - Markéta Vondroušová to win in three sets against Belinda Bencic in the finals of the Tokyo Olympics 2021.

Featured Image Credits - Latestly