Belinda Bencic marked her impressive return to competitive tennis with a commanding victory over Chloe Paquet, leading Switzerland to a 1-0 advantage against France at the United Cup held at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena. This match on Saturday signified not just her comeback after maternity leave but also her first win at any tour event since the 2023 US Open.
An emotional Bencic, the 2021 Olympic gold medalist, expressed her joy on the court, stating, "I'm really excited to be back, of course. I had a little bit of nerves at the start and a little bit of rust, so I'm happy I kind of accepted..." This victory, achieved with decisive scores of 6-3, 6-1, showed Bencic’s capability to regain her form quickly.
After giving birth to her daughter, Bella, just last April, Bencic acknowledged how much her life had changed since then. She said, "I didn't expect, of course, to be back so early... And everything is amazing, we couldn't be happier at the moment..." These sentiments resonate deeply, as she expressed her respect for other mothers going through similar journeys.
Bencic’s performance on the court was particularly notable. After falling behind 2-3 initially, she demonstrated her prowess by winning four consecutive games, showcasing her strength and skill with seven backhand winners to Paquet’s solitary winner. The match underscored not only her physical preparation but also her mental readiness to accept the challenges of returning to top-level competition.
Yet the competition remained fierce. Following Bencic’s victory, France leveled the tie as Ugo Humbert, ranked 14th, outplayed Dominic Stricker with scores of 6-3, 7-5. Humbert highlighted the difficulty of competing early this year, stating, "It was the first match of the year, so it was not easy after the preseason. I worked well." His victory brought France back on even terms, setting the stage for the deciding mixed doubles match.
The mixed doubles rubber will see Bencic join forces with Stricker against France's pairing of Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. The stakes are high as both teams aim for victory to secure their respective standings at the United Cup, emphasizing the dual national pride and personal goals of the players involved.
Leading to her return, Bencic had already indicated signs of solid form. Having come back to play the Billie Jean King Cup and several other events since October, she even reached the final of a recent tournament, enhancing her confidence prior to the United Cup. Her recent matches have proven she is not just back but is nearing her previous elite form.
Reflecting on her transition back to tennis, Bencic acknowledged the unique challenges faced by mothers. She noted, "I definitely have huge respect to all the moms there, what a woman goes through, the body changes." It’s clear her time away gave her perspective on life as she returns to compete at high levels.
The excitement surrounding her return to the sport resonates with fans and fellow competitors alike, eager to witness what the next stages of her career will bring. Bencic, alongside her team, hopes to build on this momentum as they navigate through the matches at the United Cup.
Fans are left anticipating the upcoming mixed doubles match, where Bencic and Stricker will suit up with the hopes of overcoming their French rivals and continuing to advance in the tournament. Every game played at this level symbolizes more than just points; they represent hard work, dedication, and the ability to balance elite sport with life’s new challenges.
