On Day 10 of Wimbledon, world No. 35 Belinda Bencic upset seventh seed Mirra Andreeva to land a spot in the semifinals. The victory makes her the only other Swiss woman to see a Wimbledon semifinal in the Open Era since Martina Hingis in 1998. This semifinal marks the second of her career, the first being at the US Open in 2019.
“I’m just speechless,” Bencic said in an on-court interview after her Wimbledon quarterfinal win. She’ll go on to face No. 8 Iga Swiatek in the final four. At 28 years old, Bencic might be ascending to a high point in her career—one she can hopefully add to at the US Open later this summer.
Until then, check out a few fun facts about the Swiss star:
A full-circle moment at Wimbledon
Bencic has some history with Wimbledon. Not only is this her ninth appearance at the Grand Slam, but she started her career with major success at the same venue. In 2013, Bencic prevailed over American Taylor Townsend to win the Wimbledon girls' championship—which in part led to her being named the ITF Junior World Champion that same year.
“It’s a dream come true,” Bencic said, when asked about how she felt moving on to the Wimbledon semifinals.
She’s a new mom
Wimbledon is Bencic’s second major tournament since she gave birth to her first child, Bella, who was born in April 2024. She was one of nine moms entered in the draw, but will have to represent them all as the last mom standing. Returning to any activity after giving birth is a challenge, but Bencic said she’s enjoying this new chapter.
“I’m really proud of myself and the whole team, I think we did an amazing job coming back. I’m really enjoying it at the moment … it’s amazing to share the memories as a family,” Bencic said in an on-court interview after her fourth round win at Wimbledon. “I’m juggling it like every mom does. Props to the moms.”
A sporty family
Bencic’s family isn’t short on athleticism. Her father, Ivan, is a former professional hockey player in the Swiss National League A and National League B. A recreational tennis player, Ivan acted as her coach for about five years in the 2010s. Bencic’s mother, Dana, was a high-level handball player; and her younger brother, Brian, also plays and coaches tennis.
The sports connection extended into her love life. Bencic’s husband, Martin Hromkovic, is a former Slovak football player. While also navigating the world of new parenthood, Hromkovic acts as Bencic’s fitness coach and cheers her on at tournaments.
“Amazing what the Female body can achieve,” Hromkovic wrote in an Instagram post after Bencic’s Abu Dhabi win. “As a S&C [strength & conditioning] coach this was the biggest Challenge for me as of yet. Learning, listening to the Athlete and making a plan and preparing the physical Comeback for the highest level.”
For more from London, including complete draws and schedules, visit Wimbledon's official website.
