Belinda Bencic is off to a lightning start to her Indian Wells campaign after demolishing 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria 6-1 6-1.
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The Swiss, who received a late main draw wildcard for the opening tournament of the season, had everything under control right from the start as she claimed three breaks en route to easily winning the first set.
At the start of the second set, world No. 87 Maria managed to serve out her opening service game and have the score tied to one game apiece but that was it as Bencic finished the match on a five-game winning run to complete her dominant win in an hour and five minutes of play.
In the Indian Wells second round, fans will be in for a treat as the Swiss - who won Abu Dhabi last month - is set to meet No. 17 seed and recent Doha champion Amanda Anisimova.
Heading into the match, Anisimova leads their head-to-head 2-1 but they haven't played since 2022.
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Bencic's post-pregnancy comeback has been nothing short of outstanding so far
After winning the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi to clinch her first title as a mom early in her return, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist noted that she still had major goals for her career but also explained that she felt more relaxed than was the case in the past.
I have high expectations of myself and I have dreams and goals. But I have to say I basically won in life. Im here in tournaments and it feels much more relaxed," the 27-year-old told the WTA Insider last month.
It feels like I can play a little bit more clear and with less pressure on myself. I feel like I was always the one standing a little bit in the way of trying to do too well. So right now, Im really working and I still feel like I can reach more things."
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Considering how well Bencic has played so far in 2025 and how she started her Indian Wells run, she is definitely one to watch at this year's WTA 1000 tournament in the desert.
