Federer Picks Belinda Bencic as Australian Open Dark Horse

Tennis legend Roger Federer sees something special brewing at the Australian Open, and it's not just the obvious favorites making headlines.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion told Eurosport that while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka leads the pack, his heart is with compatriot Belinda Bencic as the tournament's potential Cinderella story. "And then Belinda as an underdog – 'here she is and wins her first major'. That would be wonderful," Federer said.

Bencic's journey makes her story even more compelling. Just over a year ago, she ranked No. 489 in the world after missing most of 2024 to give birth to her first child.

But the Olympic gold medalist didn't just return to tennis. She dominated it, winning two tournaments in 2025 and climbing all the way back to No. 11 in the rankings.

Her recent form justifies Federer's faith. At the United Cup, Bencic won five straight singles matches, including a stunning upset over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the final.

The 10th-seeded Swiss player also defeated world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini during the tournament, proving she can hang with tennis's elite. Switzerland finished runners-up to Poland, but Bencic emerged as the tournament's standout performer.

Federer acknowledged the favorites too, naming defending champion hopeful Sabalenka, who has won 38 of her last 40 matches. He also tipped Coco Gauff and Swiatek as serious contenders, both coming off Grand Slam victories in 2025.

But it's Bencic's underdog status that captured the Swiss legend's imagination.

Why This Inspires

Bencic represents something tennis doesn't see often: a mother returning from childbirth not just to compete, but to contend for the sport's biggest prizes. Her comeback challenges outdated ideas about athletes and motherhood while showing young players they don't have to choose between family and their dreams.

Federer's endorsement also highlights the beauty of sports mentorship across generations. The retired champion isn't just predicting outcomes but championing a fellow Swiss player's resilience and determination.

Whether Bencic wins the Australian Open or not, she's already proven that comebacks can be spectacular, that motherhood doesn't end athletic careers, and that sometimes the best stories aren't about the favorites. Her journey from No. 489 to title contender in one year shows what's possible when talent meets determination.