Author: Richard Pagliaro @Nowtennis | Monday, January 13, 2025
Photo credit: John Buckle/Rolex
Facing familiar faces, Belinda Bencic Withstood friendly fire and achieved her first major victory as a mother.
Bencic, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist, advanced to the Australian Open after defeating 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-6(6) in four rounds at Melbourne Park nine years later. Second round.
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After the game, Bencic said that facing the hard-hitting Ostapenko was like a tennis version of Russian roulette: every shot could be fatal.
“I find it tricky to play against her. It feels a bit like Russian roulette sometimes,” Bencic said with a laugh. “Sometimes you are a spectator on your own court.
“Yeah, I tried to stay consistent and stay strong in the big moments. I'm happy that was enough for today. Obviously very happy with the win and the opportunity to play another round.”
When Ostapenko shot, Bencic wisely gave her space to get herself into the hole. Ostapenko committed 10 double faults and 55 unforced errors, while Bencic had 26.
It currently ranks 421st, 400 spots higher than the same period last year. On April 23, Bencic gave birth to daughter Bella.
“I felt like today I was getting something back sometimes,” Bencic said. “Yeah, you never know if [Ostapenko is] Will hit a winner or a loser. Yeah, you never know.
“Of course looking at the results, I'm happy that things are going well. Step by step, I'm feeling better in training every day as well. Obviously you need results to back it up. Happy with the progress of the return so far.”
Bencic believes motherhood has given her three gifts: beautiful baby Bella, the perspective that there is more to life than tennis, and patience when things don't go well.
“I don't know if it's extra motivation. I feel like I'm always motivated to play,” Bencic told media in Melbourne. “I obviously do it for myself. I think it gives me a more relaxed mode because I think I always want to do my best.
“Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself. Now I find it easier to play because, yes, there are more important things than tennis.”
In the second round, Bencic will face 25-year-old Susan Ramens.
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