Behind every successful person, lies the support of their parents. For Switzerland’s gold-medalist athlete Belinda Bencic, it is no different. As she prepares for her next match against Coco Gauff in Melbourne, her remarkable journey became a testament to her parents’ incredible mentorship. But who are the talented figures behind the WTA star’s success? Does her athleticism run in her family?

Bencic reached Round Four of the Australian Open after the unfortunate mid-match retirement of Japan’s Naomi Osaka due to injury. The Swiss player has been impressive in Melbourne, defeating Jelena Ostapenko in the first round and Suzan Lamens in the second. Bencic’s success at the ongoing Happy Slam has again brought attention back to her parents, Ivan and Dana Bencic.

Bencic’s father, Ivan, was a professional hockey player who competed in Switzerland’s National League A and B. Though tennis was just a recreational activity, he introduced his daughter to the sport when she was two and became her first coach at four. Ivan Bencic’s dedication played a crucial role in shaping his daughter’s professional career. Turning pro at 15 in 2012, Bencic entered 13 WTA finals, winning four titles by 2021. the Swiss WTA star clinched her first title at the 2015 Eastbourne International, followed by the Canadian Open two months later. Her crowning glory, however, was at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Swiss star scripted history for herself and her nation by winning the gold in singles – the first Swiss woman to achieve this milestone. She also secured a silver medal in doubles, partnering with Viktorija Golubic.

For some time, Bencic found herself working with with Empire Tennis Academy’s Vladimir Platenik. But she and her coach were forced to part ways following her fifth consecutive defeat and a first-round exit in Linz. And so, in October 2018, her father returned as her coach; together, they reached the Luxembourg Open final that year. Currently, Bencic is coached by Matej Lipták, though her father continues to mentor her occasionally.

Athleticism runs in Bencic’s genes. Her mother, Dana, was a professional handball player representing Czechoslovakia before moving to Switzerland. She played an active role in Bencic’s early training, developing a sense of professionalism in her daughter. Bencic’s younger brother, Brian Bencic, is also involved in tennis,  training at the Molitor Academy and ranking in the Top 200 junior players.

Beyond her family, another pillar of support in Bencic’s life is her partner, Martin Hromkovic. A former professional footballer, he was present at the Happy Slam, cheering for his belle during her match against Naomi Osaka. She started a family with her partner last year. Now balancing her career with motherhood, Bencic continues to shine both on and off the court.

Belinda Bencic’s husband is her biggest support

The Swiss player fell in love with her partner in 2018 and they never looked back since then. Being each other’s pillar of strength, they silently grew stronger as a couple. The relationship took center stage in media when Bencic shared her pregnancy news with her IG followers with an adorable image of baby shoes. “Expecting our little miracle soon! We can’t wait to meet you,” she captioned her IG post. After this heartwarming news, they welcomed their baby girl Bella last April. After Bencic’s motherhood, her IG platform mostly showcases her moments as a doting mother. She also shared some heartwarming images of Hromkovic’s bonding with their daughter which warmed the whole fraternity’s heart.

Six months after childbirth, Bencic returned to coach with her partner by her side. Hromkovic joined her team as a fitness coach who shared her vision about her professional career.  Reflecting on his sincere support, Bencic once said, “Martin learned a lot about the new topic, how to start, with pelvic floor exercises, abdominal and back exercises, to progress step by step.” She also complimented her beau’s support and said, “My partner is incredible, he’s doing a really great job, We’re a good team.”

While she strives for progress, Bencic also revealed that post-motherhood, tennis might not be her only priority. The Swiss star said, “I think it gives me more of, a like, relaxed mode because I think I always want to do my best. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself. Now I feel like it’s a bit easier to play because, yeah, there’s something more important than tennis.”

Nevertheless, Belinda Bencic’s recent progress showcases her spirit and commitment to her sport. Despite accepting the struggles of balancing motherhood and career, this Swiss player proved her potential in the ongoing AO. Now that she is gearing up to face a star player like Coco Gauff, it already showcases her hard work and determination to rise beyond her current ranking. Are you excited to see her performance today?