Belinda Bencic admits going a perfect 5-5 at the United Cup and even beating Iga Swiatek is "a big confidence booster" ahead of the Australian Open.
The Swiss clinched two top-10 wins at this past United Cup, beating Swiatek 3-6 6-0 6-3 and world No. 7 Jasmine Paolini 6-4 6-3. Also, she defeated Elise Mertens, Leolia Jeanjean and Solana Sierra.
It is worth mentioning that Bencic also impressed in mixed doubles, winning four of her five matches with Jakub Paul.
As a reward for her outstanding United Cup campaign, the Swiss – improved one spot on the updated WTA rankings list this Monday and now sits at No. 10 in the world. The 28-year-old, who welcomed her first child in mid-2024, was ranked well outside the top-1000 when she launched her post-pregnancy comeback. Now, she is back into the top-10 for the first time since March 2023.
Bencic: A big confidence booster… Also super happy to be in the top-10 again
"Of course, a big confidence booster. You start the year, and you're just trying to get matches in. Obviously it's been great playing match after match, but being pushed so much from everyone," the 28-year-old admitted.
"Yeah, also super happy to be in the top 10 now. I think it's been a huge goal, maybe a huge ride after the whole comeback, to come back and prove this to myself, that it's possible. Yeah, we keep on going."
A bit surprisingly, Bencic has never made it past the round-of-16 in her career at the Australian Open. However, considering how well she has started her season in Australia, this could easily be her breakout year at Melbourne Park.
Certainly, Bencic won't be taken for granted by any rival in Melbourne and it is safe to say that she is a dark horse for the Australian Open title.
