WTA | “She’s got that aura…” Belinda Bencic says of Serena Williams

(Toronto) “She has this aura… Whether you like it or not, you are intimidated”, explained Belinda Bencic, Wednesday, after her victory at 2^e tour of the Toronto tournament against Serena Williams, tennis legend who is living her last hours as a player.

“It was more than tennis tonight. It all came down to Serena and her career. So it was really special to be able to be on the court with her again today. And also for me it was a lot of emotions,” said the Swiss, 12^e World Cup, which won 6-2, 6-4.

“Playing against her, of course, it’s super nice, but today it’s a little sadder in a way. I don’t want her to retire. Now that it’s almost over, I feel like people, myself included, are realizing even more,” she added.

The day before, the 40-year-old American had announced that “the countdown is on” regarding her retirement from the courts, after 25 years of career and 23 Grand Slam titles to her name.

And since the tributes like the emotional reactions have continued to flow, beyond the microcosm of tennis.

“To be on the court against her today was really tough, I’m not going to lie. As if you could feel his presence everywhere. It’s Serena…it’s hard to play against her, put it all aside and just focus on the game. I felt like I didn’t know how to play, felt paralyzed,” Bencic said.

“The audience was like amazing with her tonight. I think the US Open will be even more special. So good luck to those who are going to play against her,” the Swiss concluded with a laugh about the New York Major (from August 29 to September 11), which Serena has won six times and which could well be the place to be. designated for his farewell.

Earlier, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek also hailed ‘legend’ Williams, after qualifying for the 8^are of final.

“When you look at her legacy, if only in numbers, everything she has done, on and off the pitch, the great star that she is, the businesswoman, but also a mother who then managed to play four Grand Slam finals… It’s incredible. I don’t think anyone will be able to do the same,” said the Pole.