The doubles partner of Roger Federer in the Hopman Cup earlier this month, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, played her first round in Melbourne with the same spirits from Brisbane and went on to destroy the 2017 Australian Open runner-up, Venus Williams in straight sets in the opening day of the Melbourne Grand Slam event. Venus remarked her resurgence last year, but however, she deals a big upset in the beginning of this year. This would be the third time since the year 1997 that no one from the Williams family will be present in the second round of a Grand Slam tournament.

Belinda Bencic upsets Venus Williams in the opening round of the Australian Open

A light drizzle over the Rod Laver Arena interrupted the play in the first set when Bencic was leading 5-3. After a hiatus from the game, the American lost the momentum in the game and Switzerland’s World Number 78’s domination in the first set, led her to seize it 6-3 from the seven-time Grand Slam champion. Venus triumphantly began the second set by breaking the serve of Bencic. Venus was hitting the tennis ball ferociously to stay in the game and Belinda was refusing to make mistakes. The scoreline in the second set was levelled to 5-5, with Bencic paramountly displaying her tennis skills, a forehand winner from Switzerland’s end earned the Belinda a match point and she quickly wraps up the first round match. Switzerland’s new favourite despatched the World Number 5 WTA tennis player 6-3, 7-5.

Last year at Australian Open, the 20-year-old Swiss lost to Serena Williams in the opening round at Melbourne Park. During the post-match interview, Bencic spoke about the greatness of the Williams sisters, as she says “They were dominating, I was watching a lot of players. They were winning grand slams and obviously being at the top of the game, playing powerful. That’s what I can remember. Obviously big champions. It feels amazing to have the chance to play against both because I never thought I would ever play against them when I was a little kid.” Her compatriot, Roger Federer’s parents were seated in her player’s box to witness her play.

It was a sad day for American tennis in Australia as Sloane Stephens, CoCo Vandeweghe and John Isner also pack their bags in Melbourne. All the three women, Sloane Stephens, CoCo Vandeweghe and Venus Williams were the semifinalists in the 2017 US Open and the fourth American 2017 US Open semifinalist, Madison Keys has her first round match scheduled for tomorrow.

Tags: Australian Open, Belinda Bencic, Grand Slam, Melbourne, Switzerland, Venus Williams