
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 8, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hits to Emma Raducanuon of the United Kingdom on day ten of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Sep 8, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hits to Emma Raducanuon of the United Kingdom on day ten of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Just days after announcing her pregnancy, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic was back on the court leading Switzerland at the Billie Jean King Cup. The defending champions will need their top player firing on all cylinders as they aim to retain their title. if Bencic’s words are to be believed, her fighting spirit is definitely in place, ready to go.
Bencic’s dedication was on full display as she battled through a tough three-set victory over Daria Kasatkina on the opening day of the competition. Down a set and struggling with her rhythm, Bencic’s fighting spirit shone through as she clawed her way back to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.
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Belinda Bencic back in action at the Billie Jean King Cup
Last week, Bencic surprised fans with an Instagram post revealing that she and her partner were expecting their first child saying, “Expecting our little miracle soon! ✨🍼 We can’t wait to meet you🤍”. However, it seems the 26-year-old is taking her status as an elite athlete in her stride. Rather than stepping away from her professional life right away, Bencic committed to playing for Switzerland at the prestigious team event.
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When interviewed, “Are you here to play or are you here in a supporting capacity or is that to be determined?”, Belinda went on to say, “We will see that, the main combination of the team, like always.” Belinda Bencic is proving that pregnancy need not spell the end for elite athletes. She is inspiring other women around the world to pursue their dreams both on and off the court.
Fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Bencic’s performances in the coming months as she balances both competition and preparation for motherhood. After all, they have reason to hope for a good show, with her own team throwing its weight behind her chances.
Bencic is adjusting to a new reality
Bencic’s coach and fitness trainer, Martin Lee, praised her commitment to the game. “Belinda is a true professional and wants to compete for as long as she feels able to,” Lee stated, before continuing, “We’ve adjusted her training to accommodate her changing needs but she is still putting in the work. It’s impressive to see her performing at this level while her personal life is undergoing such an exciting transition.”
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Team captain Heinz Gunthardt was full of admiration for Bencic. saying, “For her to lead us this week after her news shows what an incredible competitor she is.” Gunthardt ended, “The team has really rallied around her. We want to make the most of still having her for the defense and give her this experience of representing Switzerland in her current condition.”
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With defending champion Bencic spearheading their challenge, Switzerland will be tough to beat. However, with a baby on the way and her body adapting to pregnancy, it remains to be seen how much longer she can continue competing at an elite level before focusing fully on her upcoming motherhood. Regardless of the results, Bencic has already shown in a remarkable fashion that pregnancy need not spell the end of an athletic career, thus walking in the legacy of the WTA tour’s greatest – like Serena Williams, Elina Svitolina and Caroline Wozniacki.
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