Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Wimbledon Championships
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic on and what time does it start? Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic will take place on Sunday 9th July, 2023 – not before 15:30 (UK)
Where is Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic taking place? Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic will take place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England
What surface is Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic being played on? Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic will take place on an outdoor grass court
Where can I get tickets for Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic
What channel is Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic on in the UK? Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic will be televised live on BBC platforms as well as Eurosport
Where can I stream Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic in the UK? Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app, while subscribers can stream the match on Eurosport platforms
THE LOWDOWN
IGA SWIATEK
World number one Iga Swiatek survived her first test at Wimbledon in a straight-sets victory over Petra Martic on Friday. The 22-year-old has emulated her best run here after also making the round of 16 in 2021 and it will feel like a significant milestone after she was upset by Alize Cornet in the third round last summer, ending her 21st century record 37-match winning streak. Swiatek won Roland-Garros for the third time last month to make it four Grand Slam titles already, with last summer’s US Open proving that she is a clear contender anywhere for the foreseeable future.
BELINDA BENCIC
World number 14 Belinda Bencic came into Wimbledon with very little recent form or match practice after suffering an injury in the Charleston Open final in April but she has impressed so far. The 26-year-old battled back from a set down to oust Danielle Collins in a final set tiebreak on Thursday and then returned to court the following day to blow Magda Linette off of it, conceding just four games to cast aside doubts over any fatigue. Bencic has emulated her best run at SW19, reaching the round of 16 for a third time, but she has been as far as the semi-finals at the US Open when she lost to eventual champion Bianca Andreescu in 2019.
THE PREDICTION
This could be a proper thriller on Sunday with Iga Swiatek leading Belinda Bencic in an exciting head-to-head record. Their last two encounters were settled in tight straight sets via tiebreaks, with Bencic ousting Swiatek at this stage of the US Open in 2021 and Swiatek returning the favour at the United Cup at the start of this season, to suggest that three sets is a distinct possibility. Bencic is probably the more comfortable player on grass despite Swiatek’s clear improvements on the surface this week but siding against the Pole at a Grand Slam versus anyone other than reigning champion Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka seems a fool’s errand. Back Swiatek to win outright or consider a one-off for at least one tiebreak in the match.
