Can Bencic's Win Over Mertens Propel Switzerland to the Finals?
Synopsis
In an electrifying semifinal match at the United Cup, Belinda Bencic's victory over Elise Mertens has raised Swiss hopes of a finals appearance. With Stan Wawrinka set to follow, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will the Swiss team advance and make history?
Key Takeaways
Bencic's victory boosts Swiss hopes in the United Cup.
Wawrinka's upcoming match is crucial for final aspirations.
Bencic avenged her prior loss to Mertens from 2021.
The match showcased intense competition and resilience.
Bencic's decision to change racquets proved pivotal.
Sydney, Jan 10 (NationPress) Belinda Bencic continued her impressive start to the season by defeating Elise Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0) in a thrilling match, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead against Belgium in the semifinals of the United Cup mixed-gender team tennis competition in Sydney on Saturday.
Now, veteran Stan Wawrinka aims to propel the Swiss team into the finals for the first time as he prepares to face Zizou Bergs in the men’s singles, seeking to set up a showdown with the winner of the other semifinal between the USA and Poland.
Saturday's victory was particularly sweet for Bencic, who avenged her loss to Mertens in their only prior meeting back in 2021. The 28-year-old Bencic arrived at the match boasting an unblemished 6-0 record from Switzerland's earlier ties, having not lost a set against Leolia Jeanjean, Jasmine Paolini, and Solana Sierra.
Conversely, Mertens faced a grueling path to the semifinals, battling through tough matches against Victoria Mboko and Barbora Krejcikova after a straightforward win over Zhu Lin.
Bencic was on the verge of a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win when Mertens fought back to push the match into a decisive third set. The Belgian player thwarted Bencic’s two opportunities to secure the second set at 5-5 before breaking serve, turning the tide after losing a 3-1 lead.
The thrilling final set saw Mertens rally from 3-1 down, saving two critical break points that would have given Bencic a 4-1 advantage. She was just two points shy of victory with Bencic serving at 30-30, down 6-5. However, Bencic clinched the last nine points of the match after instinctively switching to a freshly-strung racquet, ultimately sealing her victory in 2 hours and 37 minutes.
“It feels like 170 kilos fell off my shoulders -- I was so stressed; I really wanted to do well, and today I felt so much pressure to not let my team down,” Bencic remarked during her on-court interview post-match.
On her racquet change, she humorously admitted: “My brain turned off and let my instincts take over.”
“I think it was just a feeling, and I played with my back against the wall. I was really focused on myself, on breathing, and I’m super happy that I stayed tough in the important moments,” she added, as reported by the official United Cup website.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Bencic's victory for Switzerland in the United Cup. This thrilling encounter not only showcases the talent within the Swiss team but also highlights the competitive spirit of international tennis. The stakes are high as they aim for a historic final.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the match between Bencic and Mertens?
The score of the match was 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0) in favor of Belinda Bencic.
How did Bencic perform in her previous matches?
Bencic maintained an unbeaten record of 6-0 prior to this match, having won all her previous ties without losing a set.
Who is the next player for Switzerland?
Stan Wawrinka will be the next player representing Switzerland in the men's singles.
What is the United Cup?
The United Cup is a mixed-gender team tennis competition featuring teams from various countries.
What did Bencic say after her match?
Bencic expressed that she felt immense pressure to perform well for her team and was relieved after her victory.
