Belinda Bencic has captured the spotlight at the United Cup by being named its most valuable player, concluding the tournament with an impressive 9-1 record, including a flawless 5-0 in singles matches. Swiss captain Stan Wawrinka often referred to the overwhelming influence of Bencic, declaring, “We’re living in Belinda’s world,” a sentiment that proved true during the tournament as she played a pivotal role in leading Switzerland to its first United Cup final.
The action kicked off on January 3 in Perth, where Bencic earned a crucial victory against France’s Leolia Jeanjan and later teamed up with Jakub Paul for a decisive mixed doubles win, contributing to a strong start for the Swiss team. Wawrinka’s admiration for Bencic’s performance was palpable, reflecting her ability to spearhead the team’s efforts and boost morale.
Bencic’s tournament journey saw her achieving remarkable feats, including two victories against top 10 players, which helped her reenter the top 10 of the PIF WTA Rankings. Her only defeat occurred in the final’s mixed doubles match against Poland, but her dominant singles performance earned her the MVP title despite Switzerland falling short in the championship.
“It’s a big confidence-booster,” Bencic expressed during a team press conference, acknowledging how valuable the matches were as she approached the Australian Open. After a challenging previous year that saw her ranked No. 487 and facing struggles post-pregnancy, Bencic has rebounded astoundingly, closing the 2025 season as No. 11 and earning the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award.
Bencic’s performance in the United Cup was characterized by her resilience and determination, highlighted by her revenge against Jasmine Paolini with a strong 6-4, 6-3 win. Her electrifying prowess continued into the semifinals against Belgium, where she staged a dramatic comeback to win despite being two points away from defeat. The following day, she faced Iga Swiatek and secured a hard-fought victory, marking her first win over the Polish player in over four years.
Although the final result was bittersweet, as Switzerland was unable to clinch the title, Bencic’s individual excellence shone through, solidifying her status as the tournament’s MVP. During the trophy presentation, she graciously focused her remarks on congratulating Poland and thanking her teammates, while Wawrinka captured the essence of the tournament’s experience in his speech, recognizing Bencic’s dual contributions on and off the court.
As she gears up for further challenges in the upcoming Australian Open, Bencic has demonstrated not only her impressive skill set but also her ability to inspire and unify her team, leaving fans hopeful for yet another successful season ahead.