Key moments
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Belinda Bencic defeated Amanda Anisimova with a decisive score of 6-2, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the 2026 Miami Open. This victory not only propelled Bencic into the quarterfinals but also marked her first appearance at this stage in the tournament since 2022.
Bencic, seeded 12th in the tournament, showcased her tactical prowess against the sixth seed and World No. 4, Anisimova. The match, which lasted just under 80 minutes, saw Bencic break Anisimova’s serve multiple times while maintaining her own serve intact throughout the contest. This performance solidified Bencic’s undefeated set record at the Miami Open 2026.
The statistics from the match highlight Bencic’s dominance; she landed an impressive 87% of her first serves and won 72% of the points on those serves. In contrast, Anisimova struggled to find her rhythm, a continuation of her challenging campaign in 2026, which has already included early exits at the Brisbane International and Australian Open.
Bencic’s journey from a semifinalist in 2022 to a quarterfinalist in 2026 is a testament to her perseverance and tactical evolution. Her aggressive and dominant play throughout the match against Anisimova drew praise from tennis analysts, who noted, “Belinda was sensational today. She controlled the match from start to finish, and Amanda had no answer to her aggressive play.”
Looking ahead, Bencic is set to face Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. Historically, Bencic holds a 4-2 head-to-head record against Gauff, adding an intriguing layer to their upcoming matchup. Bencic expressed her excitement for the challenge, stating, “I’m very excited. I’m definitely up for the challenge.” This confidence could play a crucial role as she prepares for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Fan reactions to the match varied widely, with some expressing concern for Anisimova’s mental state after such a heavy defeat. One fan commented, “Need a mental reset. She should withdraw from Charleston, rest and reset her mental health.” Another fan’s reaction was more scathing, describing the match as “the worst and most embarrassing beat down Amanda Anisimova has taken in her professional career.” Such polarized responses highlight the high stakes and emotional investment in professional tennis.
As the tournament progresses, Bencic’s performance will be closely watched, particularly as she aims to build on her momentum against Gauff. The Miami Open continues to be a pivotal event in the tennis calendar, and Bencic’s resurgence adds an exciting narrative to this year’s competition.