Just 14 months after welcoming her daughter Bella, Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has achieved a remarkable feat, reaching her first-ever Wimbledon semifinal.
A Mother’s Grand Slam Ascent
Belinda Bencic, the 2013 junior champion at Wimbledon, has made a sensational return to the sport, culminating in her best senior run at the All England Club. The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist overcame Mirra Andreeva, a player a decade her junior and the 7th seed, in two grueling tie-break sets: 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
This victory marks Bencic’s second Grand Slam semifinal overall and her first at Wimbledon, a moment she described as “crazy” and “speechless.” Her journey back to the elite level has been closely watched, especially after her ranking dipped significantly during her maternity break.
The Power of Perspective
Becoming a mother has profoundly impacted Bencic’s approach to the game. She revealed that having Bella by her side has instilled a newfound self-belief and reduced the pressure she once felt on court.
“I’m proud of myself, I never said this much to myself before Bella, but now I tell myself this every day,” Bencic shared. She emphasized the crucial support from her family and team, acknowledging their hard work on her comeback.
Bencic explained that Bella doesn’t detract from her focus, but rather helps her relax. “Sometimes I think it’s even better when I’m not too focused. I don’t feel so nervous before the match,” she noted, highlighting a more natural and less calculated approach to her game.
Building Momentum: A Stellar Comeback Year
Bencic’s return to tennis in October last year, after a 13-month break, has been nothing short of inspiring. She began the year just inside the world’s top 500, and her current Wimbledon success is set to propel her back into the Top 20.
Earlier this year, Bencic claimed the Abu Dhabi title, her first since returning from maternity leave. She famously posed with her daughter and the trophy, a powerful symbol of her dual role as a champion and a mother.
Her husband and fitness trainer, Martin Hromkovic, praised her incredible resilience. He highlighted the “amazing what the Female body can achieve,” calling her physical comeback “the biggest Challenge for me as of yet.”
Triumph Over Andreeva
The quarterfinal clash against Mirra Andreeva was a testament to Bencic’s tenacity. Despite Andreeva’s four aces in the opening set, Bencic remained unflustered, ultimately winning both sets in tight tie-breaks.
Andreeva fought hard, saving a match point and breaking back when Bencic served for the match in the second set. However, Bencic’s experience shone through in the final tie-break, securing her place in the semifinals.
The 28-year-old Swiss, the first woman from her country to reach the Wimbledon last four since Martina Hingis in 1998, will now face five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.
- Belinda Bencic reached her first Wimbledon semifinal just 14 months after giving birth.
- She defeated 7th seed Mirra Andreeva in two tie-break sets.
- Motherhood has given Bencic a new perspective, reducing pressure and boosting self-belief.
- Her ranking is set to re-enter the Top 20 after dipping during her maternity leave.
- Bencic previously won the Abu Dhabi title earlier this year, marking a strong return.
Bencic’s journey is a powerful reminder that elite athletes can achieve incredible feats, balancing personal milestones with professional triumphs. Her focus now shifts to the ultimate challenge against the world’s best.
