“Depends on How Roger is Feeling” – Belinda Bencic Provides Update on Pairing Up with Roger Federer at Tokyo Olympics 2021

Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has provided an update on whether she would pair up with Roger Federer at the Tokyo Olympics.

In an interview with a Swiss publication, Bencic, who is currently ranked 11th in singles, said she “definitely” wants to be part of the Swiss contingent representing the country at the Olympics as there is no bigger stage for an athlete to shine than the Summer Games.

The 24-year-old added that while she is aware that the Tokyo Olympics will be unlike the previous editions of the quadrennial showpiece because of restrictions induced by the pandemic, it wouldn’t take away from her excitement and enthusiasm in playing for her country.

Though there’s no official word on it yet, reports suggest that all the events at the Summer Games may be held closed doors owing to concerns around the COVID-19 situation in the host city.

Belinda Bencic says she’s excited to be playing her first Olympics

“That (the Olympics) is the greatest thing for every sportswoman. It may not be like it used to be and you will have less contact with other athletes, but I’m really happy,” Bencic said.

She added that she not only wants to compete in singles but also play doubles along with Jil Teichman in what would be her first-ever appearance in the Olympic Games.

On pairing up with Federer for mixed doubles, Bencic said she is keen but all would depend on what the 20-time Grand Slam champion decides to do.

“I would love to, but it depends on how good Roger is feeling,” the Swiss star said, adding that she expects the champion to arrive at a decision soon.

Bencic has had a mixed-bag season on clay so far

Bencic has had fairly mixed-bag returns from clay coming into the French Open this year.

After crashing out in the third and fourth rounds respectively at Charleston and Stuttgart, the 24-year-old reached the quarter-finals at Madrid before going down to rising Spaniard Paula Badosa.

She followed up her run in the Spanish capital with a tame, opening-round exit in Rome.

Bencic will open her Roland-Garros campaign on Monday against Argentine Nadia Podoroska, who scored a stunning upset win over 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams at WTA Parma recently.

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