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Belinda Bencic has credited her boyfriend Martin Hromkovic for supporting her at top-level tournaments on the main tour.
The Swiss No. 1 is currently defending her title at the 2023 Charleston Open and is through to the semifinals with a confident win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. She outclassed the Russian in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.
The 26-year-old reflected back on her quarterfinal tie in an exclusive interview with Tennis Channel. She credited her boyfriend for understanding her emotions during matches and mentioned how he adds value to her game in top-level tournaments.
"I know it looks quite harsh probably, but you know, I'm looking for a confirmation. Something they can give to me, like even though I did a mistake but was it a good mistake? I really have a great connection with my boyfriend, he knows how I am on the court and he understands if I'm nervous, too loose or too excited, so he can definitely do a lot from the box as well," Bencic said.
Bencic's boyfriend Martin Hromkovic is also her fitness coach. The Slovakian was a professional footballer who represented clubs like FK Inter Bratislava and OFC Russell Gabčíkovo as a traditional right center back. He maintains a low social profile but is often spotted supporting his girlfriend from the player's box during matches.
The Swiss tennis sensation is off to an amazing start in the new 2023 season, amassing 19 wins from 24 matches. She has already won two titles so far at the Adelaide International and the Abu Dhabi Open. The World No. 11 will be eager to maintain her rich vein of form and add to her trophy cabinet during the claycourt swing. She spoke about her love/hate relationship with clay and how she looks forward to doing her best on the tough red claycourts in Europe.
"I didn't really like clay before. I felt like last year in Charleston, that made me change my mind a little bit, but maybe its also because I really like green clay more than the red clay. I think I first have to make a good relationship here with the green clay and then move on to Europe for the red clay and try to do better there," Bencic said.
Belinda Bencic to square off against Jessica Pegula next at the Charleston Open
Belinda Bencic will take on Jessica Pegula in the semifinals of the Charleston Open on Saturday. The duo have faced each other three times on the main tour, with the Swiss No. 1 claiming the bragging rights on all three occasions.
However, Pegula seems to be in outstanding form over the last few months. The American has chalked up 22 wins from 28 matches this season and won the United Cup while representing her country. She also reached the semifinals most recently at the Miami Open.
A mouthwatering encounter will be on the cards in Charleston as two top quality players stake their claim for the title. The winner of this tie could square off against Ons Jabeur or Daria Kasatkina in the finals.
