Olympia: Belinda Bencic and a call from Roger Federer
Belinda Bencic's big dream of the Olympic mixed doubles at the side of Roger Federer has burst. However, the way in which she received this message made an impression on the Swiss woman.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Jul 21, 2021, 09:29 am
It had emerged. Almost a week ago - a few days after his surprisingly clear quarter-final at Wimbledon - Roger Federer announced on social media that he would not be traveling to Tokyo for the 2021 Olympics. The gold medal in doubles in 2012 and silver in singles in 2008 will therefore represent the greatest Olympic successes of the exceptional Swiss athlete.
With Federer's cancellation, a small dream has also burst for a Swiss player, Belinda Bencic had flirted before the games in Tokyo by playing alongside the 39-year-old in mixed doubles. This disappointment was somewhat cushioned, however, by the fact that Federer contacted Bencic directly before the publication of his rejection to inform them of his plans.
Bencic: "Health is a priority"
"Of course I was very sad and disappointed, but I really appreciated that he called me. I know from my own experience what it feels like to be injured. And health is always our top priority. I wish him, that he is recovering well and will soon be back on the field, " the Swiss woman is quoted as saying in the Aargauer Zeitung.
Belinda Bencic has been one of the top 15 in the women's tennis world for several years and has already triumphed at Wimbledon and Roland Garros at junior level. With the women, however, the Swiss is still waiting for the big coup. Bencic is convinced that this will not be too long in coming: "I am convinced of myself and am among the best in the world. I can play good tennis and defeat the best in the biggest tournaments. I am not at the limit and yet haven't reached the maximum of my career yet. "
The hard work that Bencic is putting into her career will eventually bear fruit, emphasizes the 24-year-old. "I don't know when my time will come, but every day I work for my dream. I am convinced that I will will be rewarded at some point, "said the twelfth world ranking, who is already looking forward to the Olympic Games:" I'm happy despite Federer's cancellation, because I can tell my grandchildren about it one day. "