Last week, Bencic truly earned the title of the "uncrowned queen."

When the Polish mixed doubles pair, Kawa and Jeliński, clinched the match point in the United Cup final, Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena exploded with deafening cheers. The Polish players stormed the court, celebrating their nation’s inaugural United Cup victory. Amid the celebration, on the other side of the net, young mother Bencic broke down in tears, resting on teammate Wawrinka’s shoulder. This warrior, who nearly single-handedly carried the Swiss team to the final, had come so close to her first United Cup trophy, yet it slipped away in the end.

With a dominant performance of five wins in singles and four wins with one loss in mixed doubles, Bencic was named the 2026 United Cup MVP. Her portrayal as the "tragic hero" who carried Switzerland to the runner-up spot became a hot topic online. At the awards ceremony, she smiled while congratulating her opponents and embraced her teammates gracefully. Yet, the fleeting sadness in her eyes could not be concealed by the medal’s shine. For her, this was a battle where she gave everything but fell just short. She was only one step away from perfection.

For an entire week and nine victories, she gave everything she had.

From the group stage to the knockout rounds and the thrilling final, Bencic’s iron will led Switzerland through countless "one-woman rescues." Her five crucial singles wins paved the team’s path to advancement. Most stirring was the final, where after losing the first set, she rallied to win two consecutive sets against the world No. 2 and her personal nemesis, Świątek. This victory felt like breaking a mental barrier and announcing her triumphant return. Additionally, she secured four doubles wins alongside her partner. Her presence was felt in nearly every critical moment for the Swiss team.

After the final was tied 1-1, the mixed doubles decider arrived. Poland’s top star Świątek was unable to participate in mixed doubles due to physical reasons, so Poland fielded their "second-string" mixed doubles pair. This was Bencic’s golden chance to complete a perfect "weekly undefeated champion" feat. She only needed one more win with Pauli to achieve an epic 10-0 record and personally bring the trophy back to Switzerland.

However, the allure and cruelty of competitive sports lie in the smallest margins. Perhaps due to exhaustion from continuous play or subtle shifts in luck at critical moments, the Polish duo Kawa/Jeliński displayed extraordinary resilience and teamwork. With scores of 4-6, 3-6, Bencic and Pauli couldn’t withstand the pressure. Their championship dream slipped away like sand through their fingers, just within reach.

Fans’ sympathy for Bencic echoed the tragic tone of this battle. She didn’t lose to her opponents so much as to the limits of her own endurance. Carrying the team this far was already a miracle.

Although the championship trophy eluded her, the 2026 United Cup unmistakably engraved Bencic’s shining name on its stage. Her journey is far more touching than the outcome of a single final. It is a legend about rebirth and courage.

Rewinding to the end of 2023, Bencic stepped away from the court due to pregnancy and childbirth. The challenges maternity poses to female athletes’ careers—fitness, touch, rankings—are well known, requiring a climb back from the bottom. Yet this 2020 Tokyo Olympic women’s singles gold medalist staged a powerful comeback in less than a year. Now, her world ranking has surged to 11th, nearing her personal peak.

Her return was not just a recovery but a comprehensive evolution. Observant fans and experts noticed subtle technical refinements: her serve preparation became more streamlined and efficient, granting her precious extra time to hit and making her serve more deceptive and aggressive; her forehand no longer satisfied steady rallies but turned more proactive and attacking, daring to open angles and seek winners. These upgrades equipped her with sharper weapons against top opponents. Her victory over Świątek is the best proof of these improvements.

From the hardships of postnatal return, to the bravery of technical innovation, to leading her team at the United Cup, Bencic demonstrated all the outstanding qualities of a top athlete. The runner-up finish is a missing gem in her crown but does not diminish her brilliance.

For Bencic, the disappointment in Sydney may well be the stirring prelude to a new journey. The 2026 season has just begun, and the Grand Slams loom ahead. A more technically complete, mentally tougher, and fiercely determined Bencic has already returned.

The United Cup spotlight may have dimmed, but Bencic’s story is opening its most thrilling chapter. We have every reason to believe this uncrowned queen will climb even higher peaks and claim even brighter glory in the battles ahead. True champions never fear the hardships along the way; they draw strength from regrets and crown themselves anew on the next stage.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)