Hong Kong Open: top seed Belinda Bencic fuelled by McDonald’s and hunger for more success
Swiss star claimed 10th WTA career title in Tokyo on Sunday, and begins her Victoria Park campaign against Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Tuesday
After winning her 10th career title and celebrating with an airport McDonald’s meal on Sunday, Belinda Bencic jetted into Hong Kong at 4am the following morning on the hunt for more success.
Swiss Bencic claimed the Pan Pacific Open title in Tokyo to continue her love affair with the city where she won Olympic singles gold in 2021.
The 28-year-old No 1 seed, who returned to the tour last October, six months after giving birth to her first child, will begin her Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open campaign against Aliaksandra Sasnovich at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium on Tuesday.
“I’ve not had the ideal preparation with the overnight travel, and I’m coming into different conditions, with different balls, but I committed to playing here and I don’t want to not show up,” Bencic told the Post.
She spent Monday morning visiting Ocean Park’s penguins and pandas, and riding the attraction’s cable car.
“It’s my first time in Hong Kong and I’m really excited,” Bencic said. “I hope to have a fun few days and play well on court.”