PERTH, Australia : Belinda Bencic produced a superb all-around performance on Sunday as Switzerland secured its place in the United Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the nation’s history, defeating Italy in an electrifying Group C encounter at RAC Arena.
In a thrilling display of grit and skill, Bencic laid the groundwork for Swiss success, opening the tie with a composed 6-4, 6-3 victory over World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini in the singles rubber, showcasing aggressive baseline play and strategic shot-making to gain an early advantage.
“I’m really happy with today’s match,” Bencic said on court after the near-two-hour battle. “I lost to her really close at the end of last season. I really had to organize my mind that ‘now it’s my time, I can do it.’”
Italy responded as Flavio Cobolli produced a gripping 2-hour, 50-minute win over Swiss captain Stan Wawrinka, keeping his side alive and setting the stage for a tense finale.
But Switzerland’s star did not let the pressure slip. Bencic returned later in the day and teamed up with Jakub Paul to clinch the deciding mixed doubles, edging out three-time major champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori 7-5, 4-6, 10-7.
“Without this guy, I cannot play,” Bencic said of Paul. “It’s been great vibes, great emotion from the team, we are all really into it with our heart.”
With the win, Switzerland finished atop Group C with a perfect 2-0 record, advancing to the knockout stage of the United Cup — a mixed-gender team competition that kicks off the tennis season in Perth and Sydney.
The performance marks another strong start to the season for the 28-year-old Swiss, who also delivered a straight-sets victory over France’s Leolia Jeanjean earlier in the tournament.
Switzerland now awaits its quarterfinal opponent with confidence high after a memorable day of team tennis down under.
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