Bencic : "Je n'ai pas pu jouer le One Point Slam car j'étais inscrite à Adélaïde"

Pedro de Pablos | 17 Jan 2026 | 19.40

Bencic : "Je n'ai pas pu jouer le One Point Slam parce que j'étais inscrite à Adélaïde"

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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 in 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 rankings, in a very different situation from 2025.

A year ago, Bencic had just returned to the circuit after more than a year of inactivity due to maternity. She gradually regained form, eventually rediscovering her best version. During the Media Day, Belinda talked about her evolution since her return and the regret she feels for not being able to participate in the 'One Point Slam'.

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

Evolution since her return

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

I feel that I am playing tennis very well right now. I think I have improved a lot physically. My movement is good. Without a doubt, I feel much better. I just want to keep going down 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 in Melbourne with several days to spare

"We flew here on Monday. We took it easy the first two days, trying to recover a bit and continue enjoying the United Cup. On Wednesday, I resumed training and focused entirely on the week ahead. I am playing on Tuesday, so I have had plenty of time to recharge and get back into gear. We'll see what happens. I have prepared well here."

Differences from the 2025 Bencic

"I don't think it's different. I feel it's a continuation of 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 am working on and what things I can still improve, but I notice that my level is getting better. I don't know if there is a noticeable difference compared to last year. Honestly, last year I was trying to regain my fitness 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 is 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 loved it, really. 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 are managing it well. I think 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, adapting to our schedules as best we can.

My plan is always going to change, what I do during the day. I also feel more productive on the court. I feel that when I go to the court or the 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 return 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 is no room for not playing some tournaments. I would love to make it easier on my body, which is still recovering from pregnancy and postpartum.

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

Friendship with Wawrinka

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