NEW HAVEN, CT – She is 5-9 and only 21 years old, but has already been ranked No. 7 in the world and has beaten Nos. 1 Serena Williams and Simone Halep to win the 2015 Rogers Cup. Belinda Bencic from Switzerland had a lot to say about tennis after a hitting session, while awaiting to play at this week’s CT. Open in New Haven:
NYSD: Many players skip the event before a Major, yet you are playing in New Haven a week before the US Open. Why?
BB: It is my 3rd time here. The conditions are great. The stadium is great. They use Wilson balls, like the US Open.
NYSD: Have you gotten to visit Yale?
BB: No but I have driven by it. I have heard of it. The football Stadium seems really nice.
NYSD: You played Hopman Cup tennis with Roger Federer this year in Australia?
BB: Yes for the 2nd time. He is amazing.Getting to know him is great. He has given me many tips. We both played Club tennis in Switzerland. There are no academies in Switzerland.
NYSD: How significant is Federer in Switzerland?
BB: He is a very big influence in sports in Switzerland.
NYSD: What makes the Hopman Cup important?
BB: It is played right before the Australian Open and on the same surface.