Born on March 10, 1997, in Flawil, Switzerland, Belinda Bencic has cemented herself as one of the most captivating players on the WTA Tour. Combining natural athleticism, tactical intelligence, and unwavering grit, Bencic has achieved both junior and professional success in her career.
Early Promise & Junior Stardom
From a young age, Bencic showed extraordinary talent. She began training at just three years old under the guidance of Melanie Molitor, mother and former coach of Martina Hingis (wtatennis.com). A junior world No. 1 by 2013, her early resume included impressive victories at the junior French Open and Wimbledon . These achievements provided a clear indication of the star she was destined to become.
Breakthrough on the WTA Tour
Turning professional in 2012, Bencic rapidly broke into the top-100. In 2014, aged just 17, she stunned the tennis world by becoming the youngest US Open quarterfinalist since Hingis in 1997 (en.wikipedia.org). By 2015, she etched her name further into WTA history, winning titles in Eastbourne and the prestigious Canada Open. That year, she defeated four of the world’s top six players—a defining moment that positioned her among the elite (en.wikipedia.org).
In February 2020, Bencic reached her career-high ranking: world No. 4 (en.wikipedia.org), demonstrating her steady climb up the rankings ladder.
Overcoming Setbacks & Olympic Glory
Her meteoric rise was interrupted by injuries between 2016 and 2018, during which she fell outside the top 300 (en.wikipedia.org). But in 2019, she rallied with a resurgence—winning Dubai (Premier-5), reaching the US Open semifinals, advancing to the WTA Finals semifinals, and finishing the year in the top 10. She was honored as WTA Comeback Player of the Year (en.wikipedia.org).
One of her career’s crowning moments came in August 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics, where she claimed women’s singles gold, defeating Markéta Vondroušová in the final. In doubles, she also collected a silver medal (en.wikipedia.org). This gold was Switzerland’s first in women’s Olympic tennis history .
Return After Maternity: New Heights
In April 2024, Bencic welcomed her daughter, Bella, and quietly stepped away from the tour. Reflecting on the journey, she remarked, “You start from zero” after giving birth (as.com). Fitness coach and husband Martin Hromkovic—hers since 2018—has been her cornerstone, guiding her rehabilitation and comeback (thesun.co.uk).
Her return in early 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. She claimed the Abu Dhabi Open, her second title in the city (previously in 2023), as well as her ninth career WTA title. In the final, she dominated Ashlyn Krueger, 4–6, 6–1, 6–1 💥 (en.wikipedia.org). Earlier in 2025, she also reached the quarterfinals of Indian Wells, securing a significant win over Coco Gauff post-maternity—a milestone achievement (as.com).
2025 Season Snapshot & Current Ranking
As of mid‑June 2025, Bencic sits at WTA No. 35, with a 21–10 win-loss record and over $1 million in 2025 prize earnings (wtatennis.com). Her ranking peaked at No. 4 in February 2020 (en.wikipedia.org), but she has steadily climbed back from maternity leave and injury setbacks.
Evaluating her trajectory:
- Rank history: From #421 in early 2025 to #35 by June—highlighting her rapid resurgence .
- Surface versatility: WTA titles on all three surfaces—hard (Abu Dhabi), clay (Charleston), grass (Eastbourne)—reinforce her adaptability .
- Grand Slams: Best results include US Open semifinal (2019), and consistent fourth-round showings at the Australian Open and Wimbledon (en.wikipedia.org).
At Wimbledon 2025, Bencic not only advanced past the fourth round but moved into her first Wimbledon quarterfinal post-maternity—a testament to her mental strength and talent (thesun.co.uk).
Playing Style & Coaching Squad
Bencic plays right-handed with a two-handed backhand and stands 1.75 m (5′9″) tall (en.wikipedia.org). Coached by Iain Hughes and her father Ivan Bencic, she benefits from a well-rounded, familiar support team. Husband Hromkovic focuses on strength and conditioning (wtatennis.com).
Known for her quick footwork, precise ball-striking, and excellent anticipation, Bencic consistently deploys an all-court game powered by speed and tactical acumen. In clay and grass formats, her ability to transition and adapt stands out
Off-Court: Personality & Partnerships
Outside the baseline, Bencic—who enjoys baking, painting, movies, dogs, and friends—presents herself as personable and down-to-earth (wtatennis.com).
In 2023, she signed with ASICS, becoming part of their elite roster and sporting their Solution Speed FF 2 tennis shoes—an endorsement complementary to her fast and agile playing style (corp.asics.com).
Conclusion
Belinda Bencic’s career epitomizes resilience, versatility, and inspiring reinvention. From rising junior star to top-5 powerhouse, down to Olympic gold and injury setbacks, and now back from motherhood on a fresh ascent—her journey resonates deeply in the sporting world. Sitting at No. 35 and entering a strong Wimbledon campaign, Bencic is poised to push higher and continue thrilling tennis fans worldwide.