LONDON — Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has made headlines at Wimbledon 2023, not just for her impressive run to the semi-finals but for her surprising comments about the sport’s place in her life. Despite reaching her first-ever Wimbledon semi-final, the Olympic gold medalist downplayed the importance of tennis, saying, "Tennis is not that important in the grand scheme of things."
A Breakthrough at Wimbledon
Bencic, currently ranked No. 14 in the world, secured her spot in the semi-finals after a hard-fought victory over defending champion Elena Rybakina. The 26-year-old showcased her trademark consistency and tactical brilliance, winning 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted just under two hours. This marks her best performance at Wimbledon, having previously reached the fourth round in 2015 and 2019.
Despite her success, Bencic’s post-match remarks struck a different tone. "Of course, I love tennis, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved," she said. "But at the end of the day, it’s just a game. There are so many more important things in life—family, health, happiness."
Perspective Beyond the Court
Bencic’s comments reflect a broader shift in her mindset following a series of injuries and personal challenges. In 2021, she struggled with a wrist injury that sidelined her for months. The Swiss player has also been vocal about the mental toll of professional tennis, emphasizing the need for balance.
She elaborated: "When you’re younger, you think tennis is everything. But as you grow, you realize it’s just one part of who you are. Winning or losing doesn’t define you."
Key Moments in Bencic’s Career
- 2014: Won her first WTA title at 17, becoming the youngest Swiss player to do so since Martina Hingis.
- 2016: Reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 before injuries derailed her progress.
- 2021: Claimed Olympic gold in singles at the Tokyo Games, defeating Markéta Vondroušová in the final.
- 2023: Broke into the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.
Reactions from the Tennis World
Bencic’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions. Some fans and analysts praised her perspective, while others questioned her commitment. Former Wimbledon champion Chris Evert weighed in, saying, "It’s refreshing to hear a player speak so honestly. Tennis is intense, and having that balance is crucial for longevity."
However, not everyone agreed. Tennis commentator Patrick McEnroe noted, "At this level, you need that hunger. I wonder if this mindset will affect her performance in the semi-finals."
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
Bencic is set to face World No. 1 Iga Świątek in what promises to be a thrilling clash. Świątek, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is the favorite, but Bencic’s recent form suggests she could pull off an upset.
When asked about the upcoming match, Bencic remained pragmatic: "I’ll give it my best, but win or lose, I’ll be okay. There’s more to life than tennis."
Conclusion: A New Mindset in Tennis?
Bencic’s candidness highlights a growing trend among athletes prioritizing mental health and life beyond sports. Whether this mindset will become more common remains to be seen, but for now, Bencic is content with her approach.
As she prepares for her semi-final, one thing is clear: Belinda Bencic is playing for more than just trophies. "I’m here because I love competing," she said. "But at the end of the day, it’s just a game."