LONDON — Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has revealed an unconventional strategy for preparing to face world No. 1 Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon semi-finals: she hatches game plans while drifting off to sleep. The Olympic gold medalist, known for her tactical brilliance, shared that she visualizes key moments of the match in her mind before falling asleep, a technique she believes gives her a mental edge.
Bencic, who secured her spot in the semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over defending champion Elena Rybakina, admitted that facing Świątek is a daunting challenge. "I think about the match when I'm falling asleep," Bencic said in her post-match press conference. "I visualize scenarios, how I want to play, and how I can disrupt her rhythm. It helps me feel prepared."
The Mental Game: Visualizing Victory
Bencic’s approach isn’t just superstition—it’s backed by sports psychology. Visualization techniques are widely used by elite athletes to enhance performance, reinforcing neural pathways associated with specific movements and strategies. For Bencic, this mental rehearsal is particularly crucial against Świątek, whose relentless baseline game and mental toughness have made her the dominant force in women’s tennis.
The Swiss player elaborated: "I see myself hitting deep returns, moving her around, and staying calm in the big moments. It’s not just about the strokes—it’s about the mindset. I imagine myself staying composed even when she’s playing her best."
Breaking Down Świątek’s Strengths
Świątek, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is known for her:
- Dominant forehand: One of the most powerful and consistent shots in the game.
- Mental resilience: Rarely falters under pressure, often raising her level in critical moments.
- Movement: Covers the court with exceptional speed, making her nearly unbreakable defensively.
Bencic acknowledged these strengths but remained confident in her ability to exploit small openings. "Iga doesn’t give you much, but I’ve played her before. You have to be patient, mix up the pace, and take risks at the right time."
Head-to-Head Record
Bencic and Świątek have faced each other four times, with the Polish star leading 3-1. However, their only meeting on grass—a surface where Bencic thrives—was a tight three-setter in 2022, which Świątek narrowly won. "That match gave me confidence," Bencic said. "I know I can push her on this surface."
The Grass-Court Advantage
Wimbledon’s grass courts play to Bencic’s strengths. Her flat, penetrating groundstrokes and ability to take the ball early can disrupt Świątek’s heavy topspin game. Additionally, Bencic’s serve—often underrated—has been a weapon this tournament, with her first-serve win percentage hovering around 80%.
Bencic’s coach, Dmitry Tursunov, emphasized the importance of variety: "Belinda has to use slices, drop shots, and changes of pace. Iga is so good at dictating play, so we need to keep her guessing."
The Road to the Semi-Finals
Bencic’s journey to the semi-finals has been impressive, dropping just one set en route. Her victories include:
- A straight-sets win over Katie Swan in the first round.
- A dominant performance against Danielle Collins in the third round.
- A gritty three-set triumph over Rybakina in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Świątek has been nearly flawless, showcasing her adaptability on grass. Her quarter-final demolition of Elina Svitolina—a 6-2, 6-0 rout—sent a clear message to the rest of the field.
The X-Factor: Bencic’s Big-Match Mentality
Bencic has a history of rising to the occasion in high-stakes matches. Her Olympic gold medal run in Tokyo, where she defeated a string of top players, proved her ability to thrive under pressure. "I love the big stages," she said. "The pressure is a privilege, and I’m ready for this challenge."
Conclusion: A Clash of Styles
Thursday’s semi-final promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Bencic’s precision and variety will test Świątek’s consistency and power. While the Pole is the favorite, Bencic’s unorthodox preparation and grass-court prowess make her a dangerous opponent.
As Bencic put it: "I’ve dreamed about this moment. Now it’s time to make it real." Whether her sleep-inspired game plan pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—tennis fans are in for a thrilling contest.