Belinda Bencic takes down Andreeva to reach maiden Wimbledon semi-final
The Swiss defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2). She’ll face Iga Swiatek, the No 8 seed, in the last four
Belinda Bencic, Wimbledon, 2025 © Chryslène Caillaud / Psnewz
Belinda Bencic came through a remarkably close encounter with Mirra Andreeva, defeating the precocious teenage talent 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) to reach her maiden Wimbledon semi-final.
Bencic’s return to the WTA Tour last November after giving birth to her daughter just six months prior has been one of the stories of the season.
From outside the world’s top 500 nine months ago, the Swiss’ ability to return to elite tennis without looking like she had ever been away has been joyous and quite extraordinary to behold.
Today’s victory has lifted Bencic back into the top 20 where she very much belongs, as well as marking a milestone last-four appearance at SW19 – the Swiss’ second Grand Slam semi-final berth after reaching the same stage at the US Open in 2019.
Andreeva, meanwhile, continues to astonish with her ever evolving ability. At just 18 years old, the young Russian is evidently already one of the leading names on the tour and another fine run at Wimbledon this year has paid testament to that, as well as giving the British fans greater exposure to her charming character.
high-quality, competitive match goes the way of bencic
This contest rested on just a few razor-thin margins. Neither player earned a break until the ninth game of the second set, when two came in quick succession.
Having edged the opening set on a tiebreak, Bencic struck in that ninth game for a chance to serve for the match.
Andreeva dug in excellently, utilising her defensive slice superbly along the way, to retrieve the break before forcing a tiebreak two games later.
It was Bencic, however, who rose to the occasion. Appearing to struggle with a foot injury, the Swiss regained her composure to close out a crucial straight-set win and end Andreeva’s run at SW19 for another year.
“Mirra Andreeva was really tough, I have a lot of respect for her,” Bencic told the Centre Court crowd after sealing victory.
“She is 18 and performing on the biggest stages, already winning so many amazing tournaments. I studied all evening yesterday to come up with a plan. I think it worked out well.
“With two tie-breaks it is not easy, it’s just a small edge. I am so happy to play on Centre Court. It is just my third time and it is so magical so thank you very much.”
Bencic’s reward for her efforts will be a match-up against up another fellow first-time Wimbledon semi-finalist in Iga Swiatek, the eighth seed and five-time Grand Slam champion, in the last four.
It should be quite an occasion.
