“I’m happy despite Federer’s cancellation, because I can tell my grandchildren about it”: Belinda Bencic
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Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic
The Swiss player, Belinda Bencic will be making her Olympic debut in the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She will be eyeing a medal in women’s singles and women’s doubles at Tokyo. The 24 year old had to withdraw from the 2016 Rio Games due a wrist injury which broke the double with Martina Hingis.
She was planning to play alongside the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer in the mixed doubles at the Tokyo Games. However, the 20 time Grand Slam Champion announced his withdrawal from the Olympics after he suffered a knee injury during Wimbledon.
In a recent interview, Bencic opened up on how she feels about Federer’s withdrawal and on her Olympic debut.
“Of course I was very sad and disappointed, but I really appreciated that he called me”: Bencic
Bencic told Swiss daily in an interview that she was sad and disappointed as she was looking forward to playing with Federer in the mixed doubles in Tokyo. However, she sympathized with him as she had to also opt out from playing at the 2016 Rio Olympics due to an injury.
“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 the top priority. I wish him that he has recovered well and will be back on the court soon,” said Bencic.
“For me, it is a dream come true to be here”
The current world number 12 never considered withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite some of the best athletes opting out from playing due to the difficult conditions the pandemic has caused.
Belinda has got used to the difficult conditions while travelling. “I’ve had 76 PCR tests this year, I’m a professional. But it has never been as extensive and complicated as it is in Japan” she said.
All athletes participating had to take three tests before leaving, sign all the documents from the Olympic doctor and upload the documents on the app. “I was really nervous whether I had done everything right,” she said while praising the support from the Swiss Olympic.
“For me, it is a dream come true to be here with all these athletes from all over the world” she said. She never considered withdrawing because “I can tell my grandchildren about it (competing at the Olympics) one day” she added.
Bencic has been in the top 15 in the world rankings for two years but is still waiting for a Grand Slam victory. “I am convinced of myself and am among the best in the world. I can play good tennis and beat the best in the biggest tournaments. I am not at the limit yet and have not yet reached the maximum of my career. I don’t know when my time will come, but every day it is my dream that I work for. I am convinced that at some point I will be rewarded. Maybe with a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics” Bencic said.
Also read: Novak Djokovic takes off for Japan as he chases a historic Olympics Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
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Ananya Agarwal
(107 Articles Published)