“Belinda Bencic Called Me in Miami” – Roger Federer

As the Swiss woman, Belinda Bencic lifted up her first crown in Dubai on Saturday by defeating the 2013 champion of the Emirati event, Petra Kvitova 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in the final. On the way to her first WTA title in more than three years, Bencic defeated four tennis players inside the top ten rankings and awarded herself the 23rd position in the WTA ladder, which itself accounts for a remarkable comeback. Besides her team and family, her compatriot, Roger Federer is equally delighted for her titanic week that she spent in the Emirati metropolis.

Belinda and Roger teamed up for the Hopman Cup this year for the second consecutive time and Swiss pair conceded their second successive victory on the Australian courts. After Federer’s first-round victory against Philipp Kohlschreiber in the opening round, he conveyed his regards on Bencic’s triumph. “I definitely didn’t expect it,” Roger Federer said. “ I still think, like she also thought, it was sort of work in progress, her whole comeback. This is what sports does, they write great stories. I’m heal happy for her, number one, that she’s healthy. I remember she called me in Miami last year and she said, ‘My foot was hurting. My physio took a look and said, It’s not great, I’m sorry to tell you, but you need some more time off.’”

Bencic was also struggling with her wrist, “It was hard for her. She came back for the French, even though she wasn’t ready yet. All that stuff lingers for a long time. I think she’s coming from far behind. She tried things out with her team. Also just in her game, I guess. I think it’s nice that things fell into place maybe a little bit earlier than she expected. I thought the way she did it was tremendous, beating four top-10 players in exhilarating matches, to be honest. I think that was wonderful for her.” Roger Federer continued. Bencic played some breathtaking matches at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, especially the one against Aryna Sabalenka, where she saved six match points. Before she was hit by injuries she resided on the top ten rankings on the seventh position in the year 2016. 

Roger Federer also revealed his conversations with Belinda while she was playing in Dubai. “I saw her briefly. It was déjà vu,” Federer mentioned. “Every day I saw her at the courts, every day I congratulated her, every day she went on to win the next one. And then the next day I saw her at lunch, and I quickly saw her after the finals before she left. She was so happy. It was a pleasure to see her play a little bit, and also happy that everything is coming together with her father and her fitness coach right now.”

Besides tennis, Bencic endeavours to emulate her countryman’s composure and the tranquillity he exhibits while playing. “I’m trying to be as calm as him,” Bencic uttered. “I know I’m far, far, far away from that. (But) I’m trying.”