Belinda Bencic, born on March 10, 1997, in Flawil, Switzerland, is a highly accomplished professional tennis player.
She has made her mark in the sport with a career-high ranking of world No. 4 achieved in February 2020.
Bencic’s career is highlighted by nine WTA singles titles, including a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and two doubles titles.
Her journey began as a junior player, where she became the world No. 1 and won two major junior titles in 2013.
Bencic’s professional ascent started with her debut on the WTA Tour, breaking into the top 200 in 2013 and claiming her first WTA title at the Eastbourne International in June 2015.
Siblings
Belinda has one sibling, a brother named Brian Bencic, who is also a professional tennis player.
He trains at the Molitor Academy alongside Belinda and is ranked among the top 200 junior players in the world.
Their parents, Ivan and Dana Bencic, both have athletic backgrounds, which likely influenced their children’s involvement in sports.
Ivan was a professional hockey player, while Dana played handball for Czechoslovakia before moving to Switzerland.
The family’s strong athletic lineage has played a significant role in shaping Belinda’s successful tennis career.
Career
Bencic began her tennis journey at a young age, heavily influenced by her family’s athletic background. She turned professional in 2012 and quickly made an impact on the junior circuit.
By 2013, she had established herself as the world No. 1 junior player, winning two Grand Slam junior titles at the French Open and Wimbledon.
These early successes set the stage for her rise in professional tennis.
Her breakthrough on the WTA Tour came in 2014 when she won her first WTA title at the Eastbourne International, becoming the youngest player to win a title since 2004.
That same year, she reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, defeating several higher-ranked players and solidifying her reputation as one of the most promising young talents in women’s tennis.
The following year, in 2015, she captured her second WTA title at the Canadian Open, where she defeated multiple top-10 players, including Serena Williams.
Despite her early success, Bencic faced significant challenges between 2016 and 2018 due to injuries that disrupted her momentum and caused her ranking to drop.
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However, she made an impressive comeback in 2019, winning her first Premier-5 title at the Dubai Tennis Championships and reaching the semifinals of the US Open.
These accomplishments helped her return to the top 10 in the WTA rankings and reaffirmed her status as a top competitor.
One of the most defining moments of Bencic’s career came during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
She won a gold medal in singles and a silver medal in doubles alongside her Swiss teammate Viktorija Golubic.
This historic achievement not only elevated her career but also made her a national hero in Switzerland.
Bencic’s playing style is characterized by aggressive baseline play, powerful groundstrokes, and excellent tactical awareness.
She uses her quick footwork and precise shot placement to dictate points effectively. Her mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure have been key factors in her success on the court.
In May 2023, Bencic took maternity leave following the birth of her daughter Bella.
After a brief hiatus from tennis, she returned to competition in early 2025 and achieved an emotional victory at the Abu Dhabi Open, winning her first title as a mother.
Accolades
Bencic’s career is marked by numerous accolades and significant achievements that highlight her talent and resilience as a professional tennis player.
One of her most notable accomplishments is winning the gold medal in singles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she defeated Markéta Vondroušová in the final.
Additionally, she secured a silver medal in women’s doubles alongside her partner Viktorija Golubic, showcasing her versatility and skill in both formats of the game.
Throughout her professional career, Bencic has won nine WTA singles titles, including prestigious tournaments such as the Eastbourne International and the Canadian Open in 2015, as well as the Dubai Championships in 2019.
She has also claimed two doubles titles on the WTA Tour.
Her performance at the US Open in 2019 was particularly noteworthy, as she reached the semifinals, further establishing her presence among the top players in women’s tennis.
Bencic’s contributions extend beyond individual accolades; she has played a vital role in representing Switzerland in international competitions.
She was part of the Swiss team that reached the final of the Billie Jean King Cup in 2021 and contributed to two semifinal appearances prior to that.
Her successful junior career also laid a strong foundation, as she was a former world No. 1 junior player and won two major junior titles at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
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