Belinda Bencic’s Wimbledon Comeback

As Belinda Bencic lies in bed at night, drifting off to sleep, she isn’t just thinking about rest. Instead, her mind is quietly working through game plans, strategies, and key moments for her next match. That next match? One of the biggest of her career—a Wimbledon semi-final against world number one and five-time Grand Slam winner, Iga Swiatek.

It’s a dream matchup for tennis fans, and for Bencic, it’s a moment that’s both exciting and surreal. “She is a big challenge and I'm really excited to play her,” said the 28-year-old Swiss star. “We've had some close matches. I will come up with a plan.”

And that plan takes shape not on a whiteboard or in a notebook—but in her mind, just before she falls asleep.

Visualizing Victory in Her Sleep

Unlike many athletes who might write out plays or review hours of match footage, Bencic prepares in a more personal way. She explained that she prefers to imagine herself playing different points, picturing what she wants to do in certain moments. This mental routine has become an important part of her preparation.

“It’s important for me to do it before I go to sleep,” she shared. “While I’m falling asleep, I go through it unconsciously. It’s something that happens naturally, and then I’m able to kind of memorize it a little bit.”

This kind of quiet preparation seems to be working. Bencic has had a strong run at Wimbledon this year, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in her career. It’s a big step forward for the former Olympic gold medalist, especially considering the journey she’s had over the past two years.

A New Chapter: Motherhood and Tennis

Bencic is not just making headlines for her performance on the court—she’s also making history off of it. Since giving birth to her daughter, Bella, 14 months ago, Bencic has been balancing the roles of athlete and mother with grace and determination.

This Wimbledon run is especially meaningful, as Bencic is aiming to become the first mother to win the women’s singles title at the tournament in 45 years. But she’s not letting the pressure get to her.

“I see myself as a mum first, and then tennis player,” she said. “My priorities are clearly with my family.”

Having Bella with her in London has brought joy and a sense of peace. Bencic isn’t worried about being woken up at night. “I don't adjust anything, I'm just being a mum at home. When she cries in the night, I'll wake up,” she said with a smile. “It's not something that's going to affect me for my match.”

Her husband, who also works as her fitness coach, has been by her side—though he won’t be in her player’s box on Centre Court. That space belongs to Bella, at least in spirit.

“No, she definitely gets the priority,” Bencic said proudly. “I'm really happy when he looks after her.”

Back in the Game—And Rising Fast

Bencic's journey back to the top hasn’t been easy. After stepping away from tennis for maternity leave between September 2023 and October 2024, many wondered how quickly she could return to form. Even Bencic herself admits to being surprised at how smoothly things have gone.

Starting the year ranked outside the top 400, she’s now projected to break back into the world’s top 20 thanks to her Wimbledon success. Earlier in the year, she also captured the Abu Dhabi WTA 500 title, proving she’s still a serious force on tour.

What’s changed since becoming a mother? According to Bencic, everything—and in the best way.

“Motherhood has made me more relaxed,” she said. “It means I don’t have so much time to overthink tennis. I just focus on what matters.”

Tennis and Tots: A Beautiful Balance

During the tournament, Bella has often been seen playing with medicine balls in the outdoor gym at Aorangi Park while her mother warms up for matches. She’s also been spotted watching Bencic from a balcony overlooking the courts.

“Sometimes you realise, ‘Wow, I’m playing Wimbledon, I have my family here, my daughter is actually watching me,’” Bencic said, clearly moved. “She will not remember anything—she doesn’t realise yet—but still, it’s a very nice feeling.”

Though Bella is too young to be on Centre Court, her presence is deeply felt in everything Bencic does. That support—along with her natural ability and mental strength—is pushing her to new heights.

A Dream That Isn’t Over Yet

Reaching the semi-finals is a huge achievement for Bencic, especially considering it’s been nearly six years since she last made it this far at a Grand Slam (the 2019 US Open, where she lost to Bianca Andreescu).

But she’s not done yet.

“It means the world to me to be in the semi-final. It's definitely unreal,” she said. “But it doesn't end here.”

With her baby girl by her side, a clear mind, and her dreams playing out in her sleep, Belinda Bencic is ready to take on one of the biggest challenges in tennis—and maybe, just maybe, make history along the way.