Last April, Belinda Bencic became a mother to a daughter, and after a long break, she is back on tour, entering the grand stage of Tennis again at the Australian Open in Melbourne. With the birth of Bella, many logistical and organizational aspects of Bencic’s life have changed. However, she views this challenge positively.
Fans can follow the match between Belinda Bencic and Jelena Ostapenko live on SRF starting around 3 a.m. on Monday, following a men’s singles match at 1 a.m.
“Of course, our lives have changed a lot. But 100 percent for the better,” Bencic said in an interview with SRF. “Our priorities have shifted, and we have to adapt. But Bella is doing great, and at the moment I have everything I need.”
“After a loss, it’s no longer so painful. I can leave my tennis life behind and focus on family life. Tennis is no longer everything I have,” Bencic added.
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Bencic hasn’t played many matches since becoming a mother. In late 2024, she participated in three ITF tournaments, winning a total of seven matches. At the United Cup, she added two singles and two doubles alongside Dominic Stricker, and in Adelaide, she battled through qualifying and made it to the Round of 16. She admits she has played too little to determine how she has changed.
“On the court, I’m still exactly the same. I give my best and want to win. But it’s different now; after a loss, it’s no longer so painful. I can leave my tennis life behind and focus on family life. Tennis isn’t everything I have anymore,” she stated.
Monday night marks the real start for the 27-year-old. The world number 421, who is in the main draw of the Australian Open thanks to a protected ranking, will face off against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko (WTA 17) in her opening match. The two have played each other twice before: Bencic lost in three sets at Indian Wells in 2018, but won their first-round meeting in Melbourne in 2020, 7-5, 7-5.
Bencic expresses immense joy at being back on tour and participating in the Australian Open. How does she assess her opponent? “She is a top player and tricky. She plays for winners but can also make a lot of mistakes. I hope to hold my ground and make her life a bit tougher. It will be a good test.”
Australian Open Women’s Draw
