Bencic, mother and Wimbledon semi-finalist: World tennis is surprised!

Belinda Bencic Shocks at Wimbledon and Advances to Semifinals

In a day full of emotions at the All England Club, Belinda Bencic, in her first appearance in the Wimbledon quarterfinals in nine participations, achieved an impressive victory over the young Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva. Bencic won with scores of 7-6 (3) and 7-6 (2), securing her place in the semifinals of the tournament, which represents her second time in this instance of a Grand Slam and the first in six years.

I’m speechless, honestly. Very happy.

Belinda Bencic

The Swiss tennis player, who was not qualified for the tournament, will now face Iga Swiatek, world number 8 and five-time Grand Slam champion, who is also making her debut in the Wimbledon semi-finals. The other semifinal will pit Aryna Sabalenka, world number 1, against Amanda Anisimova, number 13, who advanced after victories on Tuesday.

This doesn’t end here.

Belinda Bencic

Andreeva, seeded number 7, was seeking to become the first player under 18 to reach the women’s semi-finals since Maria Sharapova in 2005. Before this match, Andreeva had not lost a set in four matches. Bencic, at 28 years old, is a decade older than Andreeva. This is her second major tournament since returning to the circuit after the birth of her daughter Bella in April 2024. Bencic missed Wimbledon last year due to her maternity leave and returned to competition last October. After starting the year at number 489, she will rise to the top 20 in the next ranking update. The only other time Bencic reached a semifinal of a major tournament was at the 2019 US Open. She was one of nine mothers in the Wimbledon singles draw, but the only one still in competition.

I’m really proud, actually. Throughout my career, I didn’t say it to myself much, but after having Bella, I tell myself every day. We are enjoying life on the circuit with Bella, traveling. It has been beautiful to create these memories together. And, obviously, playing well is incredible, but for me, it’s a bonus. Overall, I am very happy to be able to play again.

Belinda Bencic

Bencic joins Martina Hingis as the only Swiss women to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in the Open era. Hingis won the title in 1997 and reached the semi-finals in 1998. According to ESPN BET, Bencic was at +6600 odds to win this year’s tournament. The women’s champions of the last three years had odds of +8000 or more.