Belinda Bencic has successfully secured her place in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, marking a significant personal milestone at the grass-court Grand Slam. The world No. 35 navigated a challenging fourth-round encounter, ultimately prevailing over Ekaterina Alexandrova with a final score of 7/6(4), 6/4.
For Bencic, reaching the last eight at the All England Club represented the breaking of a recurring pattern in her career.
“I was always getting stuck in the fourth round,” she candidly shared during her on-court interview, a statement delivered with a hint of playful acknowledgment of past frustrations. Overcoming this particular hurdle was evidently a source of profound relief and joy.
“Reaching the quarter-finals was extremely important for me,” she emphasized. “It`s unbelievable, a dream come true. I just can`t believe it. I`m so happy.”
Beyond the intensity of competitive play, Bencic also offered a glimpse into the more personal aspects of her Wimbledon experience. Asked about enjoying the tournament`s famed strawberries, a quintessential part of the event, particularly with her young daughter, Bella, she responded with a touch of mock surprise: “How can you not love strawberries at Wimbledon?”
The subsequent query regarding the traditional accompaniment of whipped cream elicited a pragmatic and slightly humorous insight into the realities of professional appearance during competition. “After the tournament,” she clarified, referencing the need to maintain a smart presentation. “We have a strict dress code, trying to look neat. Without cream for now.” She added that her daughter Bella is a great enthusiast of the cream, leading to predictable, messy outcomes, prompting her to conclude with a relatable parental aside: “I`m glad we have a washing machine.”
The conversation fittingly turned to the topic of balancing a demanding career at the sport`s highest level with motherhood, given her daughter Bella is only 15 months old. Bencic described navigating this balance as “amazing.” Her method, she explained simply, is by managing “like any mother.” She concluded this thought with a powerful and respectful declaration: “Respect to all mothers!”
Bencic`s progression at Wimbledon is a testament to her perseverance, both in overcoming on-court barriers and in managing the complexities of professional life alongside family, demonstrating that significant achievements are possible while embracing the journey of motherhood.
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton