Bencicová arrives in Prague with Switzerland: I am proud of my Slovak roots
Olympic champion Belinda Bencicová recently enchanted the Czech public at the WTA tournament in Ostrava. He will soon reappear in the Czech Republic as part of the Billie Jean King Cup final at Prague’s O2 Arena. In addition, the Swiss number one will face the domestic, ie Czech, selection on November 4.
Bencicová considers her participation in the BJK Cup in Prague to be an absolute priority. But at the moment, I’m struggling with a knee injury she suffered at a tournament in Chicago, so she withdrew from a lucrative business in Indian Wells.
If she heals all the pains, she will perform at the Prague O2 for the second time, because three years ago she competed against the Czech team in the quarterfinals of the FED Cup in the largest Czech hall. At that time, the Swiss were coached by the legendary Martina Hingisová, and this is one of the reasons why Bencicová first took the rocket in her hand years ago.
“I generally watched tennis. I liked to watch Nicole Vaidišová, Daniela Hantuchová or Dominika Cibulková. However, I considered Martina to be the greatest role model, who also has Czech-Slovak roots, so everything complements it nicely, ”says the Swiss sympathizer in flawless Slovak.
He can do this thanks to his parents from Slovakia. “I am proud of my Slovak roots and I am glad that my parents taught me the language. I sometimes train in Slovakia and I am glad that the Slovaks take me for their own, that of course I feel like a Swiss woman, “describes the 24-year-old tennis player currently occupying the ninth place in the WTA rankings.
Gold Belinda Bencicová also took doubles silver at the Tokyo Olympics
“This is my main goal, to stay in the TOP 10. Tennis today is different than before, for example, in the time of Serena Williams. Today, you really don’t know who will win which tournament, always to the surprise. There is no top best, all players are fixed. For women, it’s also about the mental and psychological side, “smiles Bencicová.
She also did not hesitate to characterize her game. “I don’t have the best or strongest service or the fastest punches. But in general, I think I can do “everything.” I don’t consider myself a complex player, but I won’t run away from any exchange, at the same time I have improved the service a lot. It’s also about finding a weakness with my opponent and finding my way tactically, “he explains.
He will soon be able to show his talent during the tennis festival in Prague. “I like team competitions like the FED Cup or the Hopman Cup. So do the Olympic tournaments where they represent their country. All these events are very motivating for me. After all, I stand alone on the court all year round, so these opportunities are a welcome change for me, “he reveals his feelings.
And how do you perceive the current season, as well as last year’s affected pandemic Covid-19? “It’s difficult. The tournaments kept moving and took place week after week. Then you don’t even have a chance to show up at home. I was four months away at the beginning of the year. It was hard and what Ashleigh Barty, who hasn’t been home since March, has to say. That’s why I admire her, “concludes the Swiss woman, who thwarted the golden Olympic dream of Markéta Vondroušová in one summer.