My 10 favourite Belinda Bencic memories!

For the past five years, I have been supporting Belinda Bencic. I decided to follow her career after seeing her play in Eastbourne, 2014. In this blog, I look back at ten of my favourite moments that have happened since I started following Belinda. 

1) First WTA Title:

Back in 2015, Belinda at the age of 18 won her first WTA title in Eastbourne. In the final, she defeated Polish player Aga Radwanska in 3 sets. Along the way to the title, Belinda defeated Mona Barthel, defending champion Madison Keys, Canadian star Genie Bouchard, hometown favourite Jo Konta and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. As a fan this whole week was amazing as I was there in person to witness the biggest moment of Belinda's career (at that time). I went through a range of emotions during that final, but it was worth it to see Belinda holding the trophy!. 

2) Toronto 2015

Where do I begin with this?, An amazing week which led to another trophy. I always say 2015, Belinda Bencic was the best I have seen, and the week in Toronto is a fine example of that!. Belinda had a draw that was extremely difficult and no one expected her to get through the first few rounds, let alone walk away with the title. Belinda defeated Bouchard, Wozniacki, Sabine Lisicki, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and then in the final Simona Halep. The run to the title was so impressive because Belinda defeated 4 of the top 6 players in the world, including Serena Williams who had only lost on 1 previous occasion that year. This tournament really made people sit up and pay attention to Belinda who had shown the world what she could do. 

3) Top 10 debut

In 2016, Belinda broke into the top 10 for the first time. I remember the day she got the victory to seal her place in the top 10 so clearly. She was so happy and it was a very proud day for both me and her!. Unfortunately soon after this, injury struck which hampered her rise.

4) ITF titles

To many people, ITF titles don't mean that much but for me as a fan seeing Belinda win a few ITF tournaments after such a long injury layoff is one of my favourite memories. It was great to see Belinda back on court, doing what she loved with a smile on her face. All I ever want as a fan is to see her happy and being successful, and these titles gave me that. 

5) Hopman Cup 2018 & 2019

Along with arguably the greatest male tennis player of all time, Roger Federer, Belinda won two Hopman cup titles. The Swiss team defeated Germany in the final in both 2018 and 2019. Belinda and Roger looked like they really enjoyed their time at this exhibition event, it's a shame it is not being played again in 2020. 

6) Dubai 2019 

Belinda's first WTA trophy in 4 years. After years of people telling me to stop supporting her because "she wont ever return to a good level", it was nice to see Belinda prove them wrong. Just like her Toronto run, Belinda's run to the trophy was impressive!. She defeated four top 10 players on her way to picking up the title. 

7) First grand slam semi final

Back in September, Belinda reached her first grand slam semi final.Belinda defeated Mandy Minella, Alize Cornet, Anett Kontaveit (via retirement), defending champion Naomi Osaka and her good friend Donna Vekic. Unfortunatly for Belinda, in the semi final she faced a in form Bianca Andreescu who beat her in two tightly contested sets. Despite not reaching the final, it was a brilliant tournament for Belinda who was now back to her best. I truly believe her first grand slam title is not far away. 

8) Moscow title & Tour finals Qualification

Belinda took a wild card into the tournament in Moscow, hoping to stake her place in the WTA tour finals. To gain qualification for the tour finals, Belinda had to reach the final in Moscow. Not only did she reach the final and qualify for the end of year championship, Belinda went on to win her second title of the year. Belinda defeated Polona Hercog, Kirsten Flipkens, Kiki Mladenovic and then Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. As a fan this is one of my favourite moments, because with so much on the line, Belinda showed some of her most mature performances. It is also one of my favourite memories due to the fact Belinda really wanted to qualify for the tour finals, and so when she did it brought me so much pride and happiness!. 

9) Top 10 return

After a brilliant year, Belinda returned to the top 10 in the world. She currently sits at number eight in the rankings. Considering when she came back from injury she was outside the top 300, her rise back up the rankings truly impresses me!. 

10) A selfish one!. 

This moment isn't really to do with what Belinda has achieved, but more for what she has done for me. As a fan I always believe you have to stick by a player through thick and thin. I've been there to see her win titles, but also to help her through a number of injuries. One of the best moments of my life happened last year at Wimbledon. After she defeated Carla Suarez Navarro, Belinda noticed me and hugged me. I was in such shock at this, and still to this day cannot believe it happened. We took a selfie and had a conversation about whether I would be there for the next round to support her (I had work so I missed it!). It's not just this though, after realising I only had a grounds pass so could not get onto the court to see her play at Roland Garros, Belinda sorted me a ticket!. She also did the same at Wimbledon 2019, providing me a ticket after I failed to get in via the Wimbledon ballot. I am extremely grateful to Belinda for everything she has done for me, she always has time for her fans, which not many do!. 

There are many other moments I could have included as supporting Belinda these past few years has been full of amazing memories. I believe 2020 is going to be a big year for Belinda, I think she will win a few trophies (hopefully a grand slam), and reach multiple finals whilst maintaining her ranking. There is also the Olympic games, which could be a huge event for her. No matter what happens, I will be there to support her!