GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The Belinda Bencic-Dmitry Tursunov era began with a scrappy, sometimes ugly win at the Akron Open in Guadalajara, but that’s precisely what the Swiss need to unlock the next level in their game.
Forced into a third set by Leylah Fernadez after missing five match points on a blustery night in Guadalajara, Bencic quickly accepted that that night she was expected to win lousy. She recalled her aggression and focused on making balls, forcing Fernandez to play through the rallies. Her gamble paid off as the Canadian struggled with her consistency and Bencic took a 7-5, 6-7(10), 6-3 victory.
Match Report: Bencic holds Fernandez to stay in contention for WTA Finals
“I think that’s the part where I can improve the most, change that [perfectionist] state of mind,” Bencic told WTA Insider. “I try, but sometimes it’s perfectionism that’s always in me. I have to change this system in my head. I have to do what I have to do, even if it’s not pretty.
“It’s a process. I’m not there yet, but it’s definitely something I’m working on.”
Going forward, Bencic will work on it with Tursunov, the experienced coach who took Aryna Sabalenka and Anett Kontaveit to career heights. After parting ways with her coach Sebastian Sachs after the US Open, Bencic found herself looking for a new coach. When Tursunov ended his work with Emma Raducanu, a great opportunity presented itself.
“It’s really a challenge for me because it’s different and it’s new and it’s something to improve,” Bencic said. “So I’m out of my comfort zone and that’s exactly what I want.”
“I strongly believe that he is a very good coach and that he can improve me, my game and the mental part. I’m super happy that he decided to work with me. I want it to be great and I want to improve exactly that part that we were talking about earlier.”
Guadalajara is their first tournament together, which can be a tricky time considering it’s the last event of the regular season. If all goes well for Bencic this week, she could still qualify for the WTA Finals for the second time. But Bencic and Tursunov are already looking at the long term until 2023.
“I think it’s still important that the player wants to work with this coach,” Bencic said. “I think it’s different when a coach approaches a player. I really wanted to work with him.
“I saw the partnerships he had with other players and he was very successful. His way of coaching is a way that can help me. I strongly believe it can be good. Also with the discussions and on the pitch, it has to click. I think it’s early for that, but I’m absolutely sure it’s going to work out well and I’ll try to do everything for it.”
In Tursunov, Bencic saw an analytical coach who had a proven ability to cut through the noise and focus on the tennis. Bencic’s talent has been evident since his debut on the Hologic WTA Tour, with four singles titles and an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. She reached a career high of No. 4, but the 25-year-old is still looking for her Grand Slam breakthrough and improved consistency. She has reached the quarter-finals or better in three majors, all at the US Open, with her best result in 2019 when she reached the semi-finals before losing to Bianca Andreescu.
“I think he’s very lucid and mentally tries to make you see things differently from what you see now,” Bencic said. “He’s very honest and tough about things, but that’s precisely what I need. I don’t need someone to talk about anything but the point. I can see that can be the thing. which I need to get a different perspective.”
Bencic takes on Sloane Stephens on Wednesday in the second round.
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