It was “only” the 19th match of Belinda Bencic since her maternity break of more than a year. And the Swiss is already qualified for a Grand Slam round of 16 in Australia. This Friday, she still benefited from a significant physical drop in Naomi Osakainjured, to join the second week (7-6(3), ab.). In two and a half months, the former world number 4 has already shown that she is ready to beat anyone on the circuit, and will have to prove it in the next round against Coco Gauffin search of the title. Without having specific expectations, Bencic moves forward and rejoices.
Video – Belinda Bencic, qualified for the 8th in Melbourne
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“If I hadn’t played the United Cup with Switzerland, maybe I wouldn’t have come”
“Of course, this is not the way I wanted to win this match” confided Belinda Bencic at a press conference, after leaving a message to Osaka : “Get well, mom.” on the court camera. “I have empathy for her, I know what it’s like to be injured. Maybe I’ll be happier tomorrow, but it’s cool to be in the 4th round.”
The 27-year-old has only lost four matches since her return, and feels her Tennis is coming back little by little. “I’m really happy with how my comeback is going. What matters is not to win now but to find my level and improve. I played small tournaments to get into the rhythm (final at Angers Challenger in December) and mastering the logistics with Bella (her eight and a half month old daughter who travels with her Honestly, if I hadn’t played the United Cup with Switzerland, I might not be here). came to Australia, because it was too early. physical part was the hardest because tennis was there when I started training again… it’s like riding a bike.”
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