This milestone comes approximately 10 months after Bencic returned to professional tennis. Even more impressive is that her return was just six months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, in 4/2024.

"I'm very proud. I didn't often say that about myself before Bella", Bencic said. "I'm proud not only for myself but also for my family and team. I couldn't have achieved this without them. I'm truly happy that my body allows me to compete again".

Bencic during her quarterfinal match against Andreeva at Wimbledon, on Court 1 at the All England Club, London, England, on 9/7. Photo: *Reuters*

After defeating 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva 7-6, 7-6 on 9/7, Bencic became the second Swiss player in the Open Era to reach Grand Slam singles semifinals on different surfaces, following legend Martina Hingis. In 2019, Bencic reached the fourth round of the US Open. She is also the Olympic champion from Tokyo four years ago.

"I studied my opponent carefully last night to develop a strategy. Everything went according to plan", Bencic added. "Both tie-breaks were very tough, the margins were very small. In the most tense moments, I let my body and instincts take over instead of overthinking".

Before dominating Andreeva in the first set tie-break with a 7-3 victory, Bencic had to save a break point in the 11th game. In the second set, Bencic served while leading 5-4 but couldn't close out the match. However, the 28-year-old once again showed her superior composure in the tie-break, winning 7-2.

This result makes Bencic the second Swiss woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals after Hingis. Moreover, Bencic jumped 15 spots in the rankings, securing a place in the world's top 20 when the tournament concludes.

Bencic's ranking will further improve if she wins her semifinal match at 9 PM today, Hanoi time. She will face Iga Swiatek, who defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 7-5. Swiatek holds the advantage in their head-to-head record with three wins in four encounters. The other semifinal will feature a clash between two powerful players, world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova.

Vy Anh