NATIONAL BANK OPEN

August 10, 2022

Belinda Bencic

Press Conference

B. BENCIC/S. Williams

6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Belinda, incredible match for many reasons. Just talk to us about it.

BELINDA BENCIC: Yeah, it was a really special match, of course. The occasion was really big. Also like really overwhelming, I would say.

It was more than just about tennis and, you know, like it was really all about Serena and just her career.

So it definitely felt very special to be able to be on court with her today again. And also for me, it was just, you know, great, great opportunity and just really nice. Just filled with a lot of emotion.

THE MODERATOR: Questions?

Q. Both your victories against Serena have come here in Toronto and been pretty special moments. The win in 2015 you gave her her second loss in I believe 45 matches. And here it's her final match here in Canada. What does it mean to you to share special moments like that?

BELINDA BENCIC: Yeah, I mean, of course it's really special. And in a way I'm also kind of part of her whole path and career and which make it's like really special for me.

Of course I always say that I never imagined, you know, ever playing against her. And not even saying that winning and also that I beat her twice now in Toronto.

Of course it's super nice, but today it's a little bit more sad in a way. I don't really want her to retire. I feel like I've always, in a way you know what she's achieved and everything, all her legacy and career and everything.

But now that it's soon to be over I feel like people, and me included, are realizing it even more.

So it's like, yeah, just standing on the court against her today was just, yeah, really overwhelming, I would say. And also the first time or the first time I beat her here was also really nice. So it's going to be incredible memories for me.

Q. Just on that, yesterday you were saying Serena has this aura and that you feel it no matter what. When you're in the tunnel, when you walk out. Today it must have felt even a little bit bigger. That crowd was quite raucous. And it's going to be tough for anybody to play against her over the next few weeks. But how did you kind of stay focused tonight and play just such a sharp match?

BELINDA BENCIC: Yeah, it's really tough, of course. I'm not going to lie. Like you can feel her presence everywhere.

Yeah, she has this aura that's just, you know, if you want it or not, you are intimidated, you are scared. Once she's just standing there at the return, you just get a little bit scared. Of course it's Serena.

And, I mean, in a way with her it feels almost like I'm star struck every time I see her. So it's difficult to play her. It's difficult to kind of put that aside and just like focus on the match. Because I feel like, I just don't know how I then play, because I feel like I'm paralyzed a little bit just like watching her.

But of course, you know, the crowd was like incredible tonight. Just being part of that whole thing, it's just really very special for me as well and for her.

And I think US Open it's going to be even more special. So good luck to everyone who has to play her (laughing).

Q. And then just looking ahead now you'll play Garbine next. What do you make of that? And through two matches I don't think you've been broken. I could be wrong but I think that might be true.

BELINDA BENCIC: Are you sure?

Q. Off the top of my head. But, yeah, I mean, how are you feeling as you go into the round of 16?

BELINDA BENCIC: Yeah, I mean, I'm feeling good. I'm happy I'm playing good tennis here in Toronto. I mean it's, of course, special memories.

And, yeah, I mean, it's good to play Garbine in the next match as well. I think she had a good win today and tough opponent again, of course. I mean there is no easy rounds here.

But I'm happy with the way it's going, with the way I'm serving. And, yeah, I'm just looking to improve for every match, really.