FORMER Top 10 talent Belinda Bencic showed she will be as dangerous as ever in 2025 despite missing a substantial amount of tennis over the last 18 months due to maternity leave. The currently ranked 487th player last won a WTA Tour match back at the 2023 US Open almost 15 months ago, but after warming up on the ITF circuit recently, returned to guide Switzerland to an opening round United Cup win over France.

Bencic reached as high as fourth in the world during her peak, and though not a Grand Slam winner, does have eight crowns to her name, and won the 2021 Olympic Gold Medal. In what was her biggest test since returning, Bencic easily put away French world number 123 Chloe Paquet in straight sets, 6-3 6-1. She then teamed up with Dominic Stricker to salute in the doubles 6-1 7-6 against a specialist French doubles side in Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

Bencic is no stranger to representing her nation at mixed team competitions, having played alongside Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup. That fact was not lost on Stricker who admitted he was not quite at Federer’s level.

“I saw her matches when she played with Roger, so it was not easy for me,” Stricker said. “But we just had a good talk before the match and then we came out hot and it’s super great to win that match and that tie.”

Bencic’s next opponent is red-hot Italian Jasmine Paolini tomorrow evening in a quick turnaround between matches. The Swiss star said she enjoyed being back out there and playing alongside Stricker.

“So important [to earn the win] and it was a pleasure playing with Dominic,” Bencic said. “It’s so easy when he’s on serve. I’m just chilling at the net, not touching the ball, so it’s super cool to play with him and we had great energy on the court.” 

SWITZERLAND (2) defeated FRANCE (1)

Belinda Bencic (SUI) defeated Chloe Paquet (FRA) 6-3 6-1
Ugo Humbert (FRA) defeated Dominic Stricker (SUI) 6-3 7-5
B. Bencic/D. Stricker (SUI) defeated E. Lechemia/E. Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 6-1 7-6

In the other United Cup tie, Canada ousted Croatia in an entertaining, tight contest at Perth’s RAC Arena. After varied results in their respective singles ties, Canadian duo Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime won against a specialist Croatian doubles pairing, Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Ivan Dodig to secure the 2-1 victory.

Ferandez had earlier dismissed tricky Croatian Donna Vekic in straight sets 6-4 6-3 to give her nation a 1-0 lead. However, Vekic’s compatriot Borna Coric produced a stunning comeback against Auger-Aliassime. Despite being bagelled in the opening set, Coric worked his way back into the match and broke at crucial times to secure the win, 0-6 6-4 6-4 and get his nation back on track and set up a live deciding mixed doubles.

Unfortunately for the Croatians it was not to be, with the doubles pairing winning 6-3 6-4 in the deciding mixed doubles rubber. The duo said it was about keeping the energy and vibes high during pressure situations.

Positivity [was key], just having fun, I think we are just having fun on court,” Fernandez said. “We stayed aggressive within ourselves and in a lot of the important points, we were able to execute our game plan.”

“It was great, no loss of serve, so that means whatever we were in control of, we were doing well. It’s all about trust, not going for too much, we trust each other,” Auger-Aliassime added.

Canada also has the quick turnaround between its first and second group matches, taking on tournament favourites and number one seeds, the United States, tomorrow night.

CANADA (2) defeated CROATIA (1)

Borna Coric (CRO) defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 0-6 6-4 6-4
Leylah Fernandez (CAN) defeated Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-4 6-3
L. Fernandez/F. Auger-Aliassime (CAN) defeated L. Ciric Bagaric/I. Dodig (CRO) 6-3 6-4