By Erik Gudris | Thursday, April 3, 2014
Belinda Bencic is making a quick transition from junior success to the WTA tour. Learn more about this rising new star from Switzerland.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy
After a standout junior career, Belinda Bencic is quickly finding success in the WTA. Find out more about this young rising player competing this week at the Family Circle Cup.
1. Vital Statistics: Bencic was born on March 10, 1997, in Flawil, Switzerland. Her Czech parents moved to Switzerland before she was born.
2. Early Years: Taking up the sport at age two, Bencic trained for several years at Melanie Molitor's tennis school, which was established by Martina Hingis' mother. Bencic would later train at the Nick Bollettieri Academy, and is now coached by her father full time.
3. Teenage Talent: At the age of 15, Bencic competed in several ITF events winning two singles titles in Egypt. Because of her talent, Bencic started receiving wildcards into WTA tournaments while also continuing to compete in junior events. She made her WTA main draw debut at Luxembourg in 2012 where she lost to eventual champion Venus Williams. She also made her debut for the Swiss Fed Cup team that same year.
4. Junior Standout: Bencic became the top girls player in the world in 2013. Last year, she won both the girls titles at Wimbledon and Roland Garros. At the end of the season, Bencic was announced as the ITF Junior World Champion.
5. 2014 Breakthrough: Currently ranked No. 140 in the world, Bencic reached the third round of Charleston. This is the first time Bencic has reached the third round of a Premier WTA event.
6. Improving Her Game: "I think everything has improved a little bit. Just more consistency and more that my focus is always there, so not just one set and the other one I play bad, but now it's better. I can hold it through the match."
7. Idol Worship: Bencic grew up admiring Maria Kirilenko but tries to learn from something all the players on tour. Bencic beat Kirilenko in the opening round at Charleston. "When I was younger, I had a poster on my wall of her, so it is very nice to win against her."
8. Most Fun Thing About Being on Tour: "I think everything. I mean playing on the center court yesterday was very impressive for me, and also in Australia it was a lot of fun. And I like everything about it."
9. Favorite Things: Movies, journals, and seeing friends.
10. Social Savvy: Learn more about Bencic at her website.
Source: (WTA.com)