Belinda Bencic started her 2026 Madrid Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Petra Marcinko. The result carried significance beyond the scoreboard as she competed on the second birthday of her daughter, Bella. The Swiss player admitted to feeling unusual pressure before securing the 6-4, 6-2 win that placed her into the second round.
A Tricky First Set
The match presented an additional psychological layer, with Bencic focused not only on progressing in the tournament but also on ensuring the day remained positive off court. That context shaped her mindset throughout the contest, particularly during a first set where execution did not fully match opportunity.
Bencic described her approach as overly cautious, allowing Marcinko to remain competitive despite multiple openings to establish control. The tension was amplified by the context of the day, contributing to a measured rather than assertive start.
“It was a very tricky first set. I didn’t feel like I played my best,” Bencic said to Tennis Channel after her second round victory. “I think I played a little bit too careful and didn’t use some chances, which made me a bit nervous, but then I’m happy I kind of brought home the first set and then I relaxed in the second set. So, tricky first round for sure, but I’m happy to get the win.”
Finding Her Rhythm
Once ahead, Bencic’s level stabilised. The second set saw improved shot tolerance and clearer decision-making, particularly on return, where she was able to apply sustained pressure. The shift aligned with her broader trend this season, where she has increasingly relied on controlled aggression rather than early risk-taking.
Madrid Conditions Suit Bencic
Madrid’s conditions continue to suit her game. The altitude reduces the typical demands of clay-court play, allowing her flatter groundstrokes to penetrate more effectively. Bencic noted that the transition is less pronounced for her compared to other players, contributing to her consistent results at the tournament.
“For me it’s not so much of an altitude because Switzerland is also at this altitude, so for me it’s like the base level,” the former world No. 4 added. “I really like it because it feels less like clay court tennis. The ball is really flying through the air. Of course, the first few days you need to adjust a little bit, but after I feel very
Solid Stats
- Bencic recorded five aces.
- She landed 64% of her first serves, and won 78% of those points.
- Her return game generated five breaks of serve while limiting Marcinko to two.
The win improves Bencic’s 2026 season record to 16-6 and follows her recent appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, where she split her matches as Switzerland competed against Czechia for a place in the Finals. Her next opponent in Madrid will be 18th seed Diana Shnaider.