Iga Swiatek heaped praise on her upcoming opponent, Belinda Bencic, after the Swiss reached the Wimbledon semifinals just six months after returning to the courts following her maternity break.

Bencic was able to outlast Mirra Andreeva in two tiebreakers in the quarterfinals, but the Russian only broke serve once in that match, which is not a luxury Bencic will be able to rely on against Swiatek, who is one of the best defensive players in the sport.

Bencic announced on her Instagram account in late 2023 that she was pregnant and due to give birth in 2024. The couple quietly married in April 2024. Their daughter, Bella, was born the same month.

Belinda Bencic said that motherhood has made her a lot calmer on court, as she puts things into perspective.