Bencic gives Switzerland early lead over France at United Cup

Switzerland couldn’t have asked for a much better start to its 2026 United Cup campaign than the one Belinda Bencic delivered Saturday in Perth.

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The 28-year-old dropped the opening game against France’s Leolia Jeanjean, but never trailed again, rolling to a 6-2, 6-4 win at RAC Arena in 1 hour and 31 minutes. The victory -- sealed with a backhand winner down the line -- gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in its tie against France ahead of the upcoming men’s singles match between Stan Wawrinka and Arthur Rinderknech.

Bencic controlled the matchup from the outset in the pair’s first meeting, dominating at the net, where she won 23 of 29 points, and reinforcing that edge with strong serving. She won 78% of her first-serve points to stifle most of the pressure Jeanjean managed to generate.

"The last game was tricky with the Australian sun," Bencic said after the match. "I think this is really one of the only places -- to play in Australia -- where you get into this situation. So I should have done better somehow. So I’m going to find some solutions next time."

Bencic is coming off a resurgent 2025 season in which she was named WTA Comeback Player of the Year, climbing from World No. 421 in January to No. 11 in the year-end rankings in her first full season after maternity leave.

"Last year, we didn’t expect it to go so well," Bencic said. "Of course, I don’t think the work is done yet. I’m extremely happy to receive the Comeback Player of the Year award, and now it’s time to do more work and try to get better."