Jessica Pegula defeats Belinda Bencic at Indian Wells

American secures first career win over Swiss player in round of 16 matchup

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Jessica Pegula earned her first career victory over Belinda Bencic at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, winning 6-3, 7-6(5) in the round of 16. Entering the match with an 0-4 record against Bencic, Pegula said the win carried extra meaning, noting she's a "different player" since their last meeting in 2023.

Why it matters

Pegula's win over the world no. 12 Bencic represents a significant milestone in her career, as she has struggled to beat the Swiss player in the past. The victory also boosts Pegula's confidence heading into the quarterfinals, where she will face world no. 3 Elena Rybakina in a rematch of their Australian Open semifinal earlier this year.

The details

Pegula explained how she has improved her serve and tactical adjustments since their last meeting, allowing her to better handle Bencic's game. The pivotal moment came at 2-2 in the second set after a lengthy game, and Pegula's composure under pressure proved decisive as she saved crucial points and capitalized on Bencic's errors to close out the match in a tense tiebreak.

  • On March 12, 2026, Jessica Pegula defeated Belinda Bencic 6-3, 7-6(5) in the round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

The players

Jessica Pegula

An American professional tennis player currently ranked world no. 5, who has won 11 career titles, including 8 on hard courts.

Belinda Bencic

A Swiss professional tennis player currently ranked world no. 12, who has won 1 title in 2026 so far at the Australian Open.

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What they’re saying

“Had to turn the tables… today, nobody beats me five times in a row. She's been a really tough opponent for me, but I feel like since the last I played her, I'm a different player.”

— Jessica Pegula (tennistonic.com)

“I think I'm a much better player now, but I also think that tactically I definitely changed some stuff. I serve much better now, which helps me out not feeling so much pressure with her returning.”

— Jessica Pegula (tennistonic.com)

What’s next

Pegula will face world no. 3 Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 5:00 pm on STADIUM 1. The two players previously met in the Australian Open semifinals earlier this year, where Rybakina prevailed in straight sets.

The takeaway

Pegula's victory over Bencic, a player she has struggled against in the past, demonstrates her continued growth and improvement as a player. The win boosts her confidence heading into the quarterfinals and sets up an intriguing rematch with Rybakina, who defeated Pegula at the Australian Open.