Belinda Bencic delivered an outstanding performance as she propelled Switzerland to its inaugural final at the United Cup after a grueling encounter against Belgium in Sydney’s scorching heat on Saturday.
Bencic began her day with a closely contested singles match, overcoming Elise Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0). This victory allowed Switzerland to secure an initial lead, but the match swung back to even when Belgium’s Zizou Bergs scored a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Stan Wawrinka. With the tie poised at one match apiece, the outcome hinged on a decisive mixed doubles contest.
In a dramatic finish to the mixed doubles, Bencic paired with Jakub Paul to fend off a second-set collapse, ultimately dispatching Mertens and Bergs 6-3, 0-6, [10-5]. The duo’s resilience shone through as they regrouped after losing the second set, reflecting their determination to reach the final.
Bencic’s journey has been impressive, with the 28-year-old mother to a 21-month-old daughter, Bella, maintaining a perfect record in both singles and mixed doubles throughout the tournament—winning all four matches in each category. Her victory against Mertens marked a key moment, especially given their previous encounter in 2021, when Mertens had triumphed.
The semifinal began with Bencic looking to maintain her dominance, quickly establishing a 6-3 lead. However, Mertens, demonstrating her fighting spirit, leveled the match in the second set, breaking Bencic’s serve to take it 6-4. The tension escalated in the third set, where Mertens fought back from a 1-3 deficit and nearly gained the upper hand, pushing Bencic to the edge before the Swiss player closed out the match with an impressive display, winning the final nine points after switching to a freshly-strung racket.
Post-match, Bencic expressed her relief, stating, “It feels like 170 kilos fell off my shoulders.” She acknowledged the pressure of representing her team and credited her ability to focus in crucial moments as pivotal to her success.
The men’s singles match that followed was equally intense, as Bergs showcased resilience against Wawrinka, breaking the veteran’s serve at a critical moment in the third set. Despite Wawrinka having a commendable career, this tournament has proven challenging, as he has struggled to break serve effectively.
The final showdown between Bencic and Paul against Mertens and Bergs saw the Swiss team capitalizing on their earlier momentum. Bencic orchestrated key points during the match, and Paul, demonstrating both skill and confidence, reaffirmed his role as a reliable partner. Their victory not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the exceptional energy and camaraderie within the Swiss team.
As they prepare for the final, Switzerland awaits the victor of the second semifinal clash between the United States and Poland, looking to capitalize on their first-ever opportunity to claim the United Cup. With Bencic and Paul in fine form, they are poised to make history for their national team.
