Belinda Bencic stunned Mirra Andreeva to reach the semi-final of Wimbledon and power into the world’s top 20 on the WTA Tour.
This was predicted to be a somewhat one-sided affair with Andreeva going into the game playing some brilliant tennis and touted as one of the game’s future stars.
However, Bencic turned the form book on its head and highlighted just how well she’s been playing at Wimbledon during this year’s tournament.
The Swiss performer played superbly well against Andreeva and never lost her head despite being pushed all the way by the youngster.
Belinda Bencic makes comment about Mirra Andreeva
The 18-year-old will almost certainly experience success at some point in her career at a big Grand Slam and the experience of this defeat will serve her well.
After the match, Bencic was delighted to edge through but, in a classy on-court interview, chose to pay tribute to the player she had just dumped out of the tournament.
She said: “Very tough. I have a lot of respect for her. She is 18 years old and is performing at the biggest stage already. She has a great game, a lot of variation. So I was studying all evening yesterday to find a plan for what to do and I think it worked out well.
“Of course, two tie breaks in not easy, it’s just a small edge. I am so grateful to play on Centre Court again, I think it’s just my third time, it is always so magical so thank you so much.”
Bencic’s serve was extremely good throughout the game and she’s also been quizzed on that aspect of her game at this year’s tournament.
She continued: “I am not sure. On the court sometimes, in the end, when it gets so tight, I don’t think you are thinking any more. Your body is just functioning, and your instincts kick in. It was very important to hold serve.
“It was very frustrating. I felt I was there on her serve at 30-30 and then she would come up with a great serve, so you have to put the pressure on the opponent and I’m really happy I won today.”
Belinda Bencic provides update on fitness
The player who recently took a break from the WTA tour to have a child looks well up for the challenge of winning Wimbledon.
However, in the second set, there was a worry when she kept looking down at her foot and grabbing her toe.
She was asked if it was anything sinister after the match but it would appear that it’s just the life of a tennis player getting in the way!
Bencic said: “I think it is my nail as always. They always crack. It’s the life of a tennis player. I did not want to take a medical time-out, so you don’t have to see this!”
The 28-year-old will face Iga Swiatek next up and with that game due to take place tomorrow, there will be little recovery time.
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