{"id":114816,"date":"2026-04-25T06:28:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T09:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ubirataonline.com.br\/im-so-happy-i-didnt-ruin-her-day-belinda-bencic-celebrates-daughters-birthday-with-madrid-win\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T06:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T09:28:17","slug":"im-so-happy-i-didnt-ruin-her-day-belinda-bencic-celebrates-daughters-birthday-with-madrid-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ubirataonline.com.br\/en\/im-so-happy-i-didnt-ruin-her-day-belinda-bencic-celebrates-daughters-birthday-with-madrid-win\/","title":{"rendered":"‘I\u2019m so happy I didn\u2019t ruin her day’: Belinda Bencic celebrates daughter\u2019s birthday with Madrid win"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\u00a0Belinda Bencic<\/a> opened her 2026 Madrid Open<\/a> campaign with a straight-sets victory over Petra Marcinko, but the result carried significance beyond the scoreboard. Competing on the second birthday of her daughter Bella, the Swiss admitted to feeling unusual pressure before securing a 6-4, 6-2 win that placed her into the second round.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The match presented an additional psychological layer, with Bencic acknowledging she was focused not only on progressing in the tournament but also on ensuring the day remained positive off court. That context shaped her mindset throughout the contest, particularly during a first set where execution did not fully match opportunity.<\/p>\n

Statistically, Bencic produced a solid performance once settled. She recorded five aces, landed 64% of her first serves, and won 78% of those points. Her return game proved decisive, generating five breaks of serve while limiting Marcinko to two, a margin that ultimately defined the match.<\/p>\n

The win improves Bencic\u2019s 2026 season record to 16-6 and follows her recent appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup<\/a> Qualifiers, where she split her matches as Switzerland competed against Czechia for a place in the Finals. Her next opponent in Madrid<\/a> will be 18th seed Diana Shnaider.<\/p>\n

Managing pressure and finding rhythm<\/h2>\n

Bencic\u2019s performance in the opening set reflected a degree of hesitation, particularly in converting early opportunities. She described her approach as overly cautious, allowing Marcinko to remain competitive despite multiple openings to establish control. The tension was amplified by the context of the day, contributing to a measured rather than assertive start.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a very tricky first set. I didn\u2019t feel like I played my best,” Bencic said to Tennis Channel<\/a> after her second round victory. “I think I played a little bit too careful and didn\u2019t use some chances, which made me a bit nervous, but then I\u2019m happy I kind of brought home the first set and then I relaxed in the second set. So, tricky first round for sure, but I\u2019m happy to get the win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once ahead, Bencic\u2019s level stabilised. The second set saw improved shot tolerance and clearer decision-making, particularly on return, where she was able to apply sustained pressure. The shift aligned with her broader trend this season, where she has increasingly relied on controlled aggression rather than early risk-taking.<\/p>\n

Madrid\u2019s conditions continue to suit her game. The altitude reduces the typical demands of clay-court play, allowing her flatter groundstrokes to penetrate more effectively. Bencic noted that the transition is less pronounced for her compared to other players, contributing to her consistent results at the tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me it\u2019s not so much of an altitude because Switzerland is also at this altitude, so for me it\u2019s like the base level,\u201d the former world No. 4 added. \u201cI really like it because it feels less like clay court tennis. The ball is really flying through the air. Of course, the first few days you need to adjust a little bit, but after I feel very comfortable and also feel comfortable with the courts.\u201d<\/p>\n

“I felt so much pressure playing on her birthday”<\/h2>\n

Bencic, who first broke into the top 10 in 2016 and has recently returned to that level, framed her current performance within the wider evolution of the sport. She noted that improvements are relative across the tour, with players collectively raising standards in pace and consistency.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also feel like I\u2019m a better player, but then also I think everyone is a better player,” the 29-year-old player added. “I think tennis in general is moving forward. I think you are kind of forced to always go with the trend, play faster, play more consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Experience has also altered her on-court behaviour. While earlier in her career she described herself as \u201cfearless,\u201d she now places greater emphasis on discipline and clarity, particularly on difficult days.<\/p>\n

Beyond rankings or progression, Bencic highlighted the importance of balancing professional performance with personal milestones, a factor that directly influenced her approach to the opening round. \u201cI\u2019m so happy I didn\u2019t ruin her day,” Bencic said smilling.<\/p>\n

“I felt so much pressure playing on her birthday because last year I had the same and I was just hoping I\u2019m not going to lose and everything is ready. I\u2019m going to pick up the cake later. The decoration is ready, so I\u2019m rushing off. We\u2019re going to have a great celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n