Key moments
In a decisive match at the Miami Open on March 23, 2026, Belinda Bencic defeated Amanda Anisimova with a score of 6-2, 6-2, advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament. This victory marks Bencic’s first appearance in the Miami Open quarterfinals since 2022, showcasing her return to form.
Bencic, seeded 12th in the tournament, demonstrated her skill and tactical prowess throughout the match. She broke Anisimova’s serve multiple times and did not allow her opponent to break her own serve, maintaining an undefeated set record at the Miami Open 2026. The match lasted just under 80 minutes, with Bencic landing an impressive 87% of her first serves and winning 72% of those points.
Prior to this match, Anisimova, who was the sixth seed and ranked World No. 4, had faced challenges in her 2026 campaign, including early exits at the Brisbane International and Australian Open. Bencic’s performance was described as aggressive and dominant, leaving Anisimova with no answers to her opponent’s relentless play.
With this victory, Bencic set up a quarterfinal match against Coco Gauff, against whom she holds a 4-2 head-to-head record. Bencic expressed her excitement about the upcoming challenge, stating, “I’m very excited. I’m definitely up for the challenge.” This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both players have shown strong performances throughout the tournament.
Fans and analysts alike reacted to the match, with one analyst noting, “Belinda was sensational today. She controlled the match from start to finish, and Amanda had no answer to her aggressive play.” However, some fans expressed concern for Anisimova, suggesting she may need a mental reset after this defeat, with one comment stating, “Need a mental reset. She should withdraw from Charleston, rest and reset her mental health.”
As Bencic continues her journey in the tournament, her performance against Anisimova serves as a testament to her perseverance and tactical evolution since her semifinalist run in 2022. The upcoming match against Gauff will be a critical test for Bencic as she aims to further her success at the Miami Open.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this match on Anisimova’s future tournaments, but the overwhelming sentiment from fans suggests a need for her to regroup and refocus.
