Bencic impresses against Alexandrova, reaches first Grand Slam quarter-final in nearly four years
The Swiss had never reached the last eight at Wimbledon.
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Belinda Bencic defeated defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (4), 6-4 to reach her maiden Wimbledon quarter-final, and her first since the US Open in 2021.
The Swiss failed to serve the match out after having five match points, but made no mistake during her next service game.
She is the fourth player in the Open era representing Switzerland to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon after Martina Hingis, Timea Bacsinszky and Viktorija Golubic.
Bencic will next contest her fourth Grand Slam quarter-final, already guaranteed to reach – at least – the world No 23 spot in the ranking.
Bencic: “Important to break through to quarter-finals”
“For you guys it was entertaining, for me it was a big stress,” the Swiss joked, during her on-court interview.
“It was very difficult moments when I was trying to serve it out, but your body is not listening to what your mind is saying and it’s just crazy stress out there, but I’m so happy that I was able to break her at the end, and the atmosphere was unbelievable, thank you so much.”
Bencic had lost to Alexandrova just two weeks prior to their fourth-round clash, dominated 6-1, 6-2 in Bad Homburg – but looked far more comfortable on the grass of SW19.
“I think I tried to be more brave (than in Bad Homburg),” Bencic added.
“I had a few weeks of good practice and a few matches under my belt, so I’m really happy that this turned out better than the last time I played her. She’s such a tough opponent, playing such clean and powerful shots, it’s always so difficult to play her, so I really enjoyed the match.”
it’s crazy and a dream come true
Despite looking more and more comfortable on the grass courts of SW19, Bencic had never reached the last eight at the tournament – having lost all of her three previous fourth-round matches.
“I always got stuck in the fourth round, so it was so important for me today to break through to the quarter-final,” she added.
“It’s crazy and a dream come true. Watching this tournament whilst growing up, it’s crazy, I’m so happy.”
The world No 35 had a baby in April 2024, making her return to the tour in October that same season.
“It’s been really amazing [travelling with her child],” Bencic said.
“I’ve been really proud of myself and the whole team. I think we did a great job coming back and I’m really enjoying it at the moment, travelling with her, but it will only get harder, but it’s amazing to share the memories as a family.”
Bencic will face either Mirra Andreeva or Emma Navarro in her next match.
