Bencic aiming for return at Billie Jean King Cup tie in November

The former world No 4 last played in September 2023 and gave birth to her first child in April this year

Zuma / Panoramic

September 17, 2024

Tokyo Olympics gold medallist and former world No 4 Belinda Bencic is targeting a return to the tour for Switzerland’s Billie Jean King Cup tie in November.

The 27-year-old Swiss last competed on the tour in September 2023 and gave birth to her first child, Bella, in April this year. Five months into motherhood, Bencic is getting ready for a comeback and believes she still has a few good years left in her.

“I’m 27, I feel good, I still have a few good years ahead of me on the tour. I’m very happy with the way we’re doing things. The goal is still the Billie Jean King Cup in November. Playing tennis is like riding a bike, you don’t forget it. But I have to get even fitter. I’m also still breastfeeding. You have to take that into account. Martin is adapting my fitness plan accordingly. My body feels good,” Bencic said in an interview on the Swiss TV show “Sportpanorama” yesterday.

“My goal is still to win a Grand Slam title” – Bencic

Day 3 🤭 pic.twitter.com/hLHNKQPg3F
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) June 5, 2024

The seven-time WTA titlist still harbours ambitions of winning a Grand Slam title and thinks that having a daughter, who is the most important priority for her now, could take away the pressure on the court.

“I need that to be ready for the Australian Open. My goal is still to win a Grand Slam title. I can now separate my private life and work better, my priority is Bella and tennis is almost secondary. In the past, I often fought against myself on the court. It could be that this takes all the pressure off me,” she said.

Switzerland did not qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals but will host Serbia from November 15-16 in a play-off tie, the winner of which will have the chance to qualify for the Finals in 2025.