During her illustrious career, there have been few players who have managed to have a superior or even equal head-to-head record against Serena Williams. Amongst them is Belinda Bencic, who recorded a comfortable win over the American legend at the National Bank Open in Toronto.

In the four matches played between them, both players have managed to win twice. Further, this year’s victory over Williams is Bencic’s second win against the 23-time Grand Slam champion in Toronto. In 2015, she had beaten Williams in the semi-finals of the tournament. After the match, Bencic talked about how difficult it was to play against the former world number one.

Belinda Bencic on feeling Serena Williams’ presence everywhere

During the post-match press conference, the Swiss star revealed her feelings after defeating the American legend. She said, “Yeah, it’s really tough, of course. I’m not going to lie. Like you can feel her presence everywhere. Yeah, she has this aura that’s just, you know, if you want it or not, you are intimidated, you are scared. Once she’s just standing there at the return, you just get a little bit scared.”

Further, she went on to add, “Of course it’s Serena. And, I mean, in a way with her it feels almost like I’m star-struck every time I see her. So it’s difficult to play her. It’s difficult to kind of put that aside and just like focus on the match. Because I feel like, I just don’t know how I then play, because I feel like I’m paralyzed a little bit just like watching her.”

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Talking about the crowd support, Belinda Bencic said, “But of course, you know, the crowd was like incredible tonight. Just being part of that whole thing, it’s just really very special for me as well and for her. And I think US Open it’s going to be even more special. So good luck to everyone who has to play her (laughing).”

Serena enters the final days of her professional tennis career

In a shocking revelation, Serena Williams announced that she will retire after the US Open later this month. The news surprised one and all in the entire tennis fraternity. Just recently, she made a comeback on the court after recovering from a hamstring injury.

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After her exit from Toronto, Serena Williams will play in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati before the US Open. Can Williams have the last laugh in her home country? Let us know your views in the comments below.