By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, January 13, 2025
Photo: John Buckle/Rolex
Facing a familiar face, Belinda Bencic withstood friendly fire to score her first major victory as a mother.
2020 Olympic gold medalist Bencic defeated 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-6(6) to reach the second round of the Australian Open nine years after her fourth appearance at Melbourne Park.
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Afterwards, Bencic said facing big-hitting Ostapenko is like tennis’ version of Russian roulette: every shot could be fatal.
“I think it’s tricky to play with. Sometimes it’s a little bit like Russian roulette,” Bencic said with a smile. “Sometimes you are a spectator in your field.
“Yeah, I tried to stay consistent, stay tough in important moments. I’m glad it was enough today. Obviously very happy with the win and the opportunity to play another round.”
When Ostapenko was spraying shots, Bencic wisely gave her space to hit herself in a hole. Ostapenko made 10 double faults and dished out 55 unforced errors compared to Bencic’s 26.
Currently ranked 421st—400 spots higher than she was at this time last year—Bencic said she is pleased with her progress in her comeback from maternity leave that began last October. Bencic gave birth to daughter Bella on April 23.
“I felt like today the reactions sometimes,” Bencic said. “Yeah, you never know if (Ostapenko) is going to hit a winner or miss. Yeah, you never know.
“Definitely from a results point of view I’m happy with how it’s going. Step by step I’m feeling better in practice every day as well. Obviously you need the results to back it up. Happy with how the comeback is going so far.”
Bencic believes that motherhood has given her three gifts: beautiful baby Bella, perspective that there is more to life than tennis, and patience when things don’t go her way.
“I don’t know if it’s extra motivation. I feel like I always have motivation to play,” Bencic told the media in Melbourne. “I definitely do it for myself. I think it gives me a more relaxed way because I think I always want to do my best.
“Sometimes I put a lot of pressure on myself. Now I feel like it’s a little easier to play because, yes, there is something more important than tennis.”
In the second round, Bencic will face 25-year-old Suzan Lamens.
