Katie Boulter’s Australian campaign was halted at the first hurdle, as she lost to Belinda Bencic on Tuesday.
Boulter, the world number 113, lost the first set in 26 minutes, before putting up a fight in the second set.
The British number four shifted the momentum midway through the second set, breaking Bencic’s serve to level the tie at 4-4.
However, a poor game at 5-5 handed Bencic the initiative, and she eventually won the match 6-0, 7-5.
As for Bencic, she is a dark horse for the Australian Open title, and the Swiss star did little to dampen that sentiment when she stepped onto court on Tuesday.
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Credit: Sofascore
The Swiss star equalled her longest-ever win streak at 12 matches, and is a player no one will want to face in Australia.
Belinda Bencic is compared to Martina Hingis
Leon Smith, Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain, remarked on Bencic’s high-level of play midway through the contest.
During live coverage on TNT Sports, Smith said: “I am so impressed with how Belinda Bencic is hitting.
“She is taking it so early and has good serving stats – above 60%. She has a good variety, not too dissimilar to Martina Hingis, who I’m sure she looked up to as a youngster.”
Bencic, the world number 10, began hitting with Martina Hingis when she was only six years old.
Hingis – Bencic’s idol – is one of the most successful players in tennis history, winning five Grand Slam singles titles, and 13 major doubles titles.
In April 2025, Bencic spoke of her appreciation for Hingis’ influence on her tennis career.
Speaking on the Love All with Kim Clijsters podcast, Bencic said: “Well she [Martina Hingis – pictured below] was so nice.
“I think that was really early, I mean she was hitting all the time with kids, and even like as her main practice she would be just on the net, you know volleying for hours, not missing one volley and playing with 8 year olds and 10 year olds and 12 year old kids, like with everyone.
“So it’s unbelievable. I mean apparently it gave her a lot, you know, with just trying to hit the ball as good to us, so we don’t miss and just keep the rallies going.
When she came back also then to play doubles, she was on the tour all the time, and then she was trying to help me.
“She knew me since I was very, very small, so naturally she came to watch my matches and I think even when I played in Toronto she was at every match, you know the US Open, so I think she was obviously very very happy for me.”
Belinda Bencic says Katie Boulter is a ‘very good player’
In her post-match press conference, Bencic said: “Yeah, for sure I know she’s a very good player and she has a game that can be very aggressive. She’s definitely going for it with her shots, also good serve.
“I was definitely being ready. That’s how I started. I think I was very focused, very ready.
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“I was also ready for it to become a little bit more tight. Of course sometimes it’s not easy to win the first set 6-0.”
Boulter, who will likely slip further down the rankings after losing ranking points in Australia, remarked on Bencic’s early ball striking and position inside the baseline during her post-match press conference.
Bencic responded to Boulter’s remarks by adding: “Well, it was my first coach, Melanie Molitor. The way Martina Hingis played, her daughter, it was quite natural for her to teach this way, which I’m very grateful for.
“I think it’s the most, let’s say, biggest signature of my game. I think it’s also not comfortable to play against players that take the ball early.
“I would also say that Katie sometimes takes the ball early and it’s definitely not comfortable. I tried to do that. It’s just something that comes very naturally for me.”
Bencic discusses the United Cup, her top 10 return and travelling with her child
During her on-court interview, as broadcast by TNT Sports, Bencic discussed her excellent performances at the United Cup.
She said: “That obviously helps so much, to start the year well, I think that’s what you’re hoping for in pre-season, that you will get a smooth start.
“I have to say that I feel so comfortable here in Australia, it’s been a pleasure playing in front of you guys in Perth, Sydney and now here in Melbourne, I really enjoy it, the energy is great, thanks so much also for today.”
Bencic performed superbly at the event, winning all nine of her matches as Switzerland progressed to the final.
Bencic was told by the interviewer she was ‘almost unbeatable’ at the United Cup, to which she responded: “Absolutely, I was also thinking that, I was thinking to play in red and white all year, but look, I have a Swiss flag on my back, and it’s in my heart. I really try to play for my country and I love it.
“I thought that the United Cup was a great event, it’s very special playing in a team, when you’re alone for the whole year, and it brings out the best in me. So, I really try to play this Australian Open for Team Switzerland.”
The Swiss star also remarked on travelling with her young child and the challenges that come with doing so. Bencic gave birth to her daughter in April 2024 and returned to the Tour in October of the same year.
“It’s definitely starting to become challenging, but you know, I have to say we enjoy it so much,” Bencic said.
“The first year, last year travelling with Bella, was maybe a little bit easier, now she’s entering the toddler phase, it’s a bit tough.
“On the plane, it’s tough on the plane, and I’m sorry for everyone who travels on the plane with us! But I have to say it’s also much more fun, we are doing more things, going to the zoo, going to the aquarium, I think I’m enjoying it more off the court, and separating tennis a bit more.
Bencic recently returned to the top 10 for the first time since March 2023, and she commented on the achievement in front of the Australian crowd.
“It means a lot, I don’t think we realised it yet, because we were in between tournaments, and you don’t want to think about it too much,” she said.
“But I think it really shows the hard work it took, to get back, and to have such a comeback, I really hope it doesn’t end here, I hope we can keep climbing up the rankings. Thanks everyone for your support.”
Bencic will play Daria Kasatkina or Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova in the Australian Open second round.
