Belinda Bencic delivered the key victory Switzerland needed, defeating world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3 to secure her nation's place in the United Cup quarterfinals. The world No. 11's composed performance in the decisive rubber capped a productive day of WTA action that also saw Ajla Tomljanovic produce a stunning upset in Brisbane, defeating higher-ranked Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 6-3. The Australian's victory was part of a series of commanding performances at the Brisbane International, where Mccartney Kessler and Sorana Cirstea also advanced with dominant straight-set wins.
Swiss precision sends Bencic through
Bencic's 6-4, 6-3 victory over Paolini showcased the clinical tennis that has made her one of the tour's most reliable performers on the big stage. The Swiss converted six of her 17 break point opportunities while saving half of the six break points she faced, maintaining steady pressure throughout the two-set encounter. Her 61% first serve win rate proved sufficient against an Italian opponent who struggled to capitalize on her chances. The result sends Switzerland surging into the United Cup quarterfinals, with Bencic's experience in pressure situations proving decisive in the crucial rubber. Over the past 12 months on hard courts, the former Olympic champion has maintained a solid 23-11 record, and this victory continues her strong start to 2026.
Tomljanovic powers past Jacquemot in Brisbane
Ajla Tomljanovic announced her return to form with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over higher-ranked Elsa Jacquemot in the Brisbane first round. The world No. 80 served with authority, winning 77% of her first serve points and firing three aces while converting five of seven break point opportunities. Despite committing four double faults, the Australian's aggressive approach paid dividends as she overwhelmed the French player who entered as the No. 55 seed. Tomljanovic saved the only break point she faced in the second set, demonstrating the mental fortitude that has carried her through previous campaigns. The victory marks an encouraging start to her 2026 season after a challenging previous year, setting up a promising second-round encounter.
Kessler and Cirstea advance in style
American Mccartney Kessler made light work of Emiliana Arango, securing a 6-1, 6-3 victory that showcased her growing confidence on hard courts. The world No. 31 converted six of 15 break points while maintaining a 62% first serve win rate, building on her strong 2025 campaign. Meanwhile, Sorana Cirstea produced the most dominant performance of the day, overwhelming Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 6-1 with flawless execution. The Romanian won an impressive 83% of her first serve points and struck nine aces, converting all four break point opportunities she created. Marie Bouzkova also advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Jaqueline Cristian, firing eight aces in an efficient performance.
The Brisbane International continues with second-round action, while attention turns to Switzerland's United Cup quarterfinal preparations following Bencic's crucial victory. Several seeded players will look to join the advancing quartet when play resumes across both tournaments.