Belinda Bencic has endured her fair amount of heartbreak over the past twelve months on the WTA Tour.
At the start of 2016, she was poised to become the next big thing in Swiss tennis when she broke the top-10. It was a breakthrough many expected for the teenage prodigy, who won two junior grand slam titles. Unfortunately for Bencic, her moment in the limelight was taken away from her by a series of devastating injuries.
Bencic’s injury-stricken year has seen her suffer from a back problem, followed by a coccyx injury and then a troublesome wrist issue. As a consequence, the Swiss now finds herself at 131st in the world.
“You think the universe hates you.” A smiling Bencic told Watson.ch about her struggles.
This year has seen Bencic win just one match on the main WTA tour, defeating Tsvetana Pironkova in the first round at Indian Wells. Her latest loss occurred on home soil as she crashed out 6-1, 6-3, to Germany’s Carina Witthoeft at the Biel Open on Monday.
“There is not much that is positive,” she said following her match.
Injury continues to haunt the Swiss player. Currently it is the wrist, which is her nemesis. Now playing more ITF tournaments in a bid to regain her own confidence, she has learned a new approach to adapt to the pain.
“Sometimes it hurts two days, then again for a week. I’ve learned to adjust my workout. Sometimes it is also better to skip a tennis training, replace it with a fitness unit, go jogging, or just beat the forehand.” Bencic explained
The road to recovery
The road back to the top is a long and difficult one, but not impossible. At the age of 20, Bencic does have age on her side. Furthermore, she has already notched up 11 victories over top-10 players during a two-year period. Few can doubt the ability of the youngster, but Bencic will be the first to declare that she ‘has no talent.’ A baffling statement to hear from a former world No.1 junior player.
“I do not believe in talent. When I look at other sports, or at the very beginning of tennis, I am anything but a talent. I had a zero ball feeling. I’ve learned all this and I think it’s possible for everyone.”
It is questionable if Bencic would have said this if she hasn’t endured such a torrid year of injury setbacks. What is undisputed, is her determination to work her way back to the top and once again become a threat to the world’s best players on the tour.
“The first week with Roger was great (Bencic played in the Hopman Cup alongside Roger Federer). Then it went downhill. The self-confidence has already been affected, so I now play smaller tournaments. I am happy about every match that gives me confidence to get out of this negative spiral.” Bencic said in an analysis of her start to the 2017 season.
The Sharapova statement
The last person Maria Sharapova defeated prior to her 15-month doping suspension was Bencic at the Australian Open. Nearing her highly anticipated return to the sport, the former world No.1 has become a heavily discussed topic. Weighing on the debate, Bencic has maintained a somewhat diplomatic approach.
“I look always on the list (of banned substances) whether there is something forbidden in there, even with a nasal spray. It is clear that all tournaments they want to give her (Sharapova) wild cards. But it’s not my job to judge.” She said.
Ther Swiss player has sustained a minor backlash on Twitter from Sharapova’s army of loyal fans. A light-hearted joke made by her was one that didn’t go down too well with others.
“Maybe she’s not so good without Meldonium (laughs).” She replied when asked about potentially playing Sharapova in a match.
Like Bencic’s roller coaster career, it is tough to win them all.
Bencic’s 2017 results
Sydney – R1 (retired)
Australian Open – R1
St. Petersburg – R1
Acapulco – R1
Indian Wells – R2
Miami – R1
Croissy-Beaubourg (ITF $60,000) – QF
Biel – R1
