Bencic surges to open Swiss United Cup account
Under Perth’s relentless sun, Belinda Bencic shakes off early nerves to dominate Leolia Jeanjean, securing a crucial 1-0 lead for Switzerland and fueling momentum in her post-maternity charge.
In the baking heat of RAC Arena, Belinda Bencic wasted no time rewriting the script of her 2026 United Cup debut. The 28-year-old Swiss player, riding high from a transformative 2025, absorbed the loss of the opening game to Leolia Jeanjean before unleashing a torrent of precise aggression. Her 6-2, 6-4 victory in 1 hour and 31 minutes ended with a crisp down-the-line backhand, handing Switzerland a 1-0 edge in the tie against France and setting the stage for Stan Wawrinka’s matchup with Arthur Rinderknech.
Bencic dictated the tempo from the baseline, her heavy topspin forehands pinning Jeanjean deep and carving open angles for inside-out approaches. She prowled forward relentlessly, pocketing 23 of 29 net points to turn rallies into swift conclusions on the fast hard courts. That first-serve dominance—78% points won—acted as her anchor, blunting Jeanjean’s returns and preserving energy amid the rising temperature.
“The last game was tricky with the Australian sun,” Bencic said after the match. “I think this is really one of the only places -- to play in Australia -- where you get into this situation. So, I should have done better somehow. So, I’m going to find some solutions next time.”
Net rushes redefine matchup dynamics
The contrast between Bencic’s all-court flair and Jeanjean’s baseline steadiness played out vividly on Perth’s bouncy surface, where quick transitions rewarded the bolder player. Bencic mixed crosscourt slices with one–two serves, her low-skidding underspin backhands forcing Jeanjean to lunge and err on the rise. This tactical layering, honed through her 2025 resurgence, disrupted any French rhythm, as inside-in forehands skimmed the lines to extend her 6-2 first-set lead into controlled second-set pressure.
Jeanjean’s resilience surfaced in scattered deuces, but Bencic’s varied depths kept her guessing, preventing sustained counterattacks. The crowd’s murmurs built with each volley winner, the arena’s energy feeding her poise as shadows lengthened across the court. Switzerland’s opener felt like a declaration, blending national stakes with personal grit in this mixed-teams format.
Comeback momentum meets team pressure
Bencic’s path to this moment traces back to January 2025, when she started at World No. 421 after maternity leave and climbed to No. 11 by year’s end, earning WTA Comeback Player of the Year honors. That ascent wasn’t mere luck; it stemmed from refined patterns like sharper 1–2 combos and bolder net forays, now evident in how she neutralized Jeanjean’s flat shots with spin and placement. In Perth, the weight of expectations mingled with the relief of execution, her game adapting seamlessly to the outdoor glare.
For the latest on the action, follow United Cup: Scores, where ties like this one shift standings rapidly—check the Standings for group implications. The Order of Play keeps the schedule in view, with Wawrinka’s response next to build on this foundation. Bencic’s resolve hints at deeper runs, her adjustments under the sun signaling a Swiss campaign poised for surprises.
“Last year, we didn’t expect it to go so well,” Bencic said. “Of course, I don’t think the work is done yet. I’m extremely happy to receive the Comeback Player of the Year award, and now it’s time to do more work and try to get better.”
As the tie hangs in balance, Bencic’s blend of tactical edge and quiet determination echoes through the Swiss bench, priming them for the battles ahead in this sun-soaked United Cup grind.
