Belinda Bencic could not have written a better start to her 2026 season. The Swiss tennis star showed up to the United Cup, taking Team Switzerland to their first final and clinching the tournament MVP honors along the way.

“[It’s a] big confidence-booster. You start the year, and you’re just trying to get matches in… also super happy to be in the top 10 now. I think it’s been a huge goal, maybe a huge ride after the whole comeback, to come back and prove this to myself, that it’s possible.”

Team Switzerland set the tone on January 3rd with a 3-0 to France. Team captain Stan Wawrinka summed it up best.

“It’s been a great day for us thanks to Belinda to play so well and for showing us the way. We are just living in Belinda’s world, so we’re enjoying that.”

Bencic brought those words to life. She went through the singles with a 5-0 and 9-1 overall record with the team.

And Bencic was fresh off a singles win over 8th seed Leolia Jeanjan, and a mixed doubles win with teammate Jakub Paul.

But Bencic's achievements didn't stop there

Her three-set finals victory over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek was even sweeter(3-6, 6-0, 6-3).

After giving birth to her daughter in 2024, the former No. 4 returned to the tour unranked in October.

Fast forward to 2026, she's over 14 months in her comeback and already in the top 10. Will Bencic make Melbourne her personal playground for the Australian Open?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar