Two years ago, Belinda Bencic had fallen out of the world’s top 300.
On Monday, she became one of the last eight left in the US Open women’s singles draw.
"I think all true athletes have to overcome obstacles, injuries, and just tough times. I think it made me a stronger person, better player," said Bencic after toppling top-seeded and defending champion Naomi Osaka, 7-5, 6-4, in the fourth round under the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof on a rainy Monday.
The No. 12-seeded Bencic will play another surprise quarterfinalist, No. 23 Donna Vekic of Croatia, who is enjoying her best career Slam.
Bencic was just 17 years old when she made the US Open quarterfinals in 2014 to announce her arrival as a teenage star to watch. She was named WTA Newcomer of the Year. The next year she finished at No. 14 in the world.
"Yeah, it's been a long way since then, for sure. People always think I'm a little bit older than I actually am, because I've been here since 16, 17. I think definitely it was a good time. I learned so many things," said the 23-year-old Bencic.
In 2017, her ranking went into a free fall as she sat out for most of the season with a back problem and then wrist surgery. It was a precipitous drop for the Swiss right-hander after the heady days of her first US Open quarterfinal appearance.
"I think it was–everyone expected to go just up. That's not how tennis goes, of course. There were times when you're injured [when you] wonder if you can play at this level again,” said Bencic. To get through the hard times, Bencic used the memory of the good days as a tool to keep working hard and not give up.
"I believed if I'm going to get back and healthy, I can play on this level, because I proved it so many times. It was just about being consistent and if it was going to be enough," said Bencic.
"I think it helps when the belief is there, when you know you can be Top 10. So when you have been there, you know that your way is working. So I think that helped me a lot through these injuries," said Bencic.
Her perseverance has made her a better player according to Bencic.
"I think the mental part is just really important. In the Top 50, everyone can play very good tennis, so it's not about who can hit a better backhand or who can hit a better forehand,” she said.
"I think it's definitely about the mentality, how you go to the court, how you approach, if you have fear or if you're playing freely."
