Bencic: "I couldn't play the One Point Slam because I was enrolled in Adelaide"

Pedro de Pablos | 17 Jan 2026 | 19.40

Bencic: "I Couldn't Play the One Point Slam Because I Was Registered in Adelaide"

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Belinda Bencic is one of the standout names at the beginning of 2026 on the women's circuit. The Swiss tennis player shone at the United Cup, leading her team to the final and securing notable victories against Jasmine Paolini and Iga Swiatek. This has allowed her to arrive at the 2026 Australian Open as the number 10 in the WTA ranking, in a very different situation from 2025.

A year ago, Bencic had just returned to the circuit after over a year of inactivity due to her maternity. Gradually, she regained her form until she found her best version again. During the Media Day, Belinda talked about the evolution she has undergone since her return, and the frustration she feels for not being able to participate in the 'One Point Slam'.

Statements by Belinda Bencic at the Media Day of the 2026 Australian Open

Evolvement since her return

"Yes, it has definitely been a long journey since last year. Last year marked the beginning of my comeback. Physically, maybe I still didn't feel ready to play three sets against the world's best, although my tennis level improved quite rapidly. I think it has been a long year. I've played many matches, many good tournaments, and achieved great results.

I feel that right now I'm playing tennis very well. I believe I have improved a lot physically. My movement is good. Without a doubt, I feel much better. I just want to continue on this path and not dwell too much on what will happen. This is a new tournament and a fresh start. My first round is not easy, so all my focus is on that."

Arrival to Melbourne with several days in advance

"We flew here on Monday. The first two days we took it easy, trying to recover a bit and continue enjoying the United Cup. On Wednesday, I returned to training and focused entirely on the week ahead. I will play on Tuesday, so I had a lot of time to recharge and get the engine running again. We'll see what happens. I've prepared well here."

Differences from the 2025 Bencic

"I don't think it's different. I feel it's a continuation from last year. I also think there are so many tournaments that the preseason is getting shorter. I feel ready to start. I have gained a lot of confidence since the end of last year and from the beginning of the year until now.

I know perfectly well what I'm working on and what I can still improve, but I can tell that my level is getting better. I'm not sure if there's a noticeable difference compared to last year. Honestly, last year I was trying to regain my physical form and continue competing normally, so I don't notice the difference."

The 'One Point Slam' and why she didn't play

"I loved it. I watched it on TV. I couldn't play because I was registered in Adelaide. There's a rule that says you can't play an exhibition if you have another tournament that week. I wanted to play, but I watched it on TV and it was very entertaining. I truly enjoyed it. I watched it all.

I would have chosen to receive, of course (laughs). I was really cheering everyone on, and I knew how difficult it is because it's not like playing a full match; it's about one point. You go straight in, no warm-up, with a lot of spectacle around, and you have to be alert and focused for one point. It was very fun, very entertaining."

Balancing tennis with motherhood

"It's a challenge, but it's something we wanted. I think so far we're managing it well. I believe the key is to be spontaneous and open to everything. I used to be someone who liked to plan a lot and do things in advance, and now that's not possible. I feel like we're improvising every day, you know, adjusting to our schedules as best as we can.

My plan is always going to change, what I do during the day. I also feel I'm more productive on the court. I feel that when I go to the court or gym to work out, I don't have much time, but I do the best I can. I do my training, my practice session, and then I switch back to being a mother and to my life off the court."

How motherhood affects her schedule

"I think the requirements of the WTA Tour are many. You have to play many tournaments. You have to play four Grand Slams, 10 out of 10 WTA 1000, six WTA 500, the Fed Cups, the Olympics... There's no room for not playing some tournaments. I would love to make it easier also for my own body, which is still recovering from pregnancy and postpartum.

I would love to have more options, but everything is mandatory. If you don't play, then of course you have to pay a fine, which maybe is the least of the problems. You also have a disadvantage in your ranking system afterward, which doesn't allow you to climb in the rankings if you get zero points or don't play a mandatory tournament. So that's definitely a challenge."

Friendship with Wawrinka

"It's very nice to see him here. I haven't seen Kubie yet, but I've seen Stan. It feels like we're a team now. I'll definitely watch his match if I can and surely cheer for him. I hope we can continue keeping in touch like this. The United Cup has been a very fun week. I loved it.