Mom last year, Wimbledon semis this year: Belinda Bencic continues magical run-OxBig News Network

A year after giving birth to her daughter Bella, Belinda Bencic has authored one of the most stirring comebacks in recent memory. On Wednesday at Wimbledon, the 28-year-old Swiss star reached her second career Grand Slam semifinal, and her first at the All England Club — with a gutsy 7-6(4), 7-6(2) win over World No. 7 Mirra Andreeva.

Having started the year ranked 487 in women’s singles, Bencic has had a stellar run this year. She will vault into the top 20 following a breakthrough run in Wimbledon. | Day 10 Highlights |

The victory over Andreeva was her 38th win over a top 10 player. Nearly six years after her last major semifinal, at the 2019 US Open, Bencic became the fifth woman in the Open Era to bridge such a long gap between Slam last-four appearances. The victory, sealed in two tense tiebreaks across two hours and seven minutes, was also her second-ever Top 10 win at Wimbledon.

“I didn’t say it to myself much before,” Bencic told the Centre Court crowd after her emotional triumph. “But since having Bella, I say it to myself every day, I’m proud of myself.”

FROM 487 TO TOP 20 IN 6 MONTHS

It’s a sentiment that defines her 2025 season. After welcoming Bella in April 2024, Bencic was back on tour just six months later, and wasted no time making headlines. In February, she lifted the WTA 500 title in Abu Dhabi, rallying from a set down to beat Ashlyn Krueger in the final, with Bella watching from the player box.

Her momentum continued on the hard courts, where she reached back-to-back quarterfinals at Indian Wells and Miami. She upset Coco Gauff in the Californian desert before falling to Madison Keys, performances that helped her break back into the top 50 by March.

Still, it is Wimbledon where her comeback has reached its emotional peak. Against Andreeva, Bencic was composed and clinical, dropping serve just once — and only when serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set. Despite a late fightback from the 18-year-old Russian, Bencic held her nerve in the tiebreak and closed it out despite hobbling with a cracked toenail.

“It’s not only me, I wouldn’t be able to do it without my amazing family and team. We worked so hard on the comeback,” she said, thanking her close ones.

“We are enjoying life on tour and to play great is a bonus. I’m generally just really happy to be able to play again because my body allows it.”

Whether or not she lifts the Venus Rosewater Dish this weekend, Bencic’s return has already been a rewarding one in many ways.

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