“We Always Write to Each Other” – Belinda Bencic on Her Relationship With Roger Federer

Most WTA players envy Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic as she got to play mixed doubles with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer during the Hopman Cup event. It was a tournament that was held annually in Perth, Australia, and hosted just mixed doubles tennis action where players represented their nations.

Unlike Bencic, other women really haven’t got much of an opportunity to share tennis courts with the ambassador of tennis, Roger. Belinda is also one of the flag-bearers of Swiss tennis and shares a congenial relationship with Federer.

They often exchange texts and phone calls and Bencic seeks constant advice from the Swiss maestro. Recently she was asked whether she was in touch with Roger during the tennis suspension period. She mentioned talking to him regularly and said she clears her doubts regarding tennis with her legendary compatriot. “If I have questions or need advice, we always write to each other. Otherwise hold we just posted,” she told Tages-Anzeiger.

When Belinda Bencic won her big title in Dubai last year, Federer reflected upon her titanic triumph. He also spoke about their telephonic conversation which took place in 2018.

“I definitely didn’t expect it,” Federer said in 2019. “I still think, like she also thought, it was sort of work in progress, her whole comeback. This is what sports do, they write great stories.”

“I’m really happy for her, number one, that she’s healthy. I remember she called me in Miami last year and she said, ‘My foot was hurting. My physio took a look and said, It’s not great, I’m sorry to tell you, but you need some more time off.’”

Belinda Bencic on Roger Federer’s surgery

Bencic went on to speak about Federer’s recent surgeries. She felt it was the best time for him to undergo surgery given that the tour was suspended due to the pandemic. She also hopes that Roger recovers fully and is aiming to play some more mixed doubles alongside him.

“I hope so, of course, from my point of view. And I hope and I’m sure that he will be fit again, the timing was right for him,” she added.  (Quotes have been translated)

Belinda Bencic reached the semifinals at the US Open 2019 and marked her career-best run at the Grand Slams. But this year, with the city of New York blanketed with the fatal virus, Bencic is unsure of her flight to the US in August 2020.

Source – Tages-Anzeiger