Quick Read
- Belinda Bencic defeated Mirra Andreeva in two tiebreak sets to reach the Wimbledon 2025 semifinals.
- This marks Bencic’s first Wimbledon semifinal and her second Grand Slam semifinal after a six-year gap.
- Bencic returned to professional tennis just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella.
- She will face five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the semifinal.
In a riveting match that captivated tennis fans worldwide, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic defeated Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in two nail-biting tiebreak sets, 7-6(3), 7-6(2), to secure her place in the Wimbledon 2025 semifinals. This marked her first-ever semifinal appearance at the All England Club and her second Grand Slam semifinal overall, with her last coming nearly six years ago at the 2019 US Open. The victory on July 9, 2025, is a testament to Bencic’s resilience, having returned to professional tennis just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella.
The Match: Experience Over Youth
Bencic’s quarterfinal clash against the 18-year-old Andreeva was a spectacle of contrasting narratives: the seasoned veteran versus the rising star. Andreeva, who was attempting to become the youngest Wimbledon semifinalist since Maria Sharapova in 2005, entered the match without having dropped a set in the tournament. However, Bencic’s precision, mental fortitude, and deep tactical understanding proved decisive. According to ESPN, the Swiss player lost her serve only once throughout the match, demonstrating her ability to handle pressure in crucial moments.
The first set tiebreak highlighted Andreeva’s nerves, as two critical backhand errors and a missed forehand gave Bencic the upper hand. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Andreeva mounting a spirited comeback but faltering in the tiebreak. As noted by The New York Times, Bencic’s ability to adapt to Andreeva’s slicing forehands and exploit her opponent’s weaknesses was instrumental in her victory. The match lasted over two hours, with Bencic sealing the win with a commanding overhead smash.
A Remarkable Comeback
Bencic’s journey to the Wimbledon semifinals is nothing short of extraordinary. After giving birth to her daughter Bella in April 2024, Bencic took time off to focus on her family before returning to competitive tennis in October of the same year. Starting the 2025 season ranked No. 489, she climbed the rankings with consistent performances, breaking into the top 20 during this Wimbledon run. As WTA Tennis reported, she is now one of nine mothers competing in the singles draw, but the only one to make it this far.
Speaking to the media after her win, Bencic expressed her pride in balancing motherhood and a professional tennis career. “I’m very proud, actually,” she said. “All my career, I didn’t say it a lot to myself, but after having Bella, I really say it to myself every day.” She credited her partner, Slovakian soccer player Martin Hromkovic, who also serves as her fitness coach, for his unwavering support.
History in the Making
With this win, Bencic joins Martina Hingis as the only Swiss women to reach the Wimbledon semifinals in the Open Era. Hingis achieved this feat in 1997 and 1998, winning the title in her first attempt. Bencic’s achievement also places her among a small but distinguished group of mothers who have excelled at Wimbledon. The last mother to win the tournament was Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980, a milestone Bencic could aspire to emulate. According to Forbes, her run underscores the increasing visibility of mothers in professional tennis, following similar successes by players like Tatjana Maria and Elina Svitolina in recent years.
Bencic’s next challenge will be a formidable one: a semifinal showdown against Poland’s Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion making her own debut in the Wimbledon semifinals. Swiatek, known for her aggressive baseline play and unparalleled consistency, will test every aspect of Bencic’s game. The match is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 9:30 AM ET, with fans eagerly anticipating a battle of contrasting styles.
The Bigger Picture
Bencic’s success at Wimbledon is not just a personal milestone but also a celebration of resilience and determination in sports. Her story resonates with fans and athletes alike, proving that it is possible to return stronger after life’s most significant changes. As ESPN noted, she entered the tournament as an underdog with odds of +6600 to win the title, a stark contrast to the pre-tournament favorites. Yet, her performance has defied expectations, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
As Wimbledon heads into its final stages, all eyes will be on Belinda Bencic. Whether or not she lifts the trophy, her journey to the semifinals has already cemented her legacy as one of the sport’s most inspiring figures.