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Belinda Bencic's incredible act after win over Serena Williams

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Rival Belinda Bencic (pictured right) embracing Serena Williams at the net and (pictured left) Williams during an on-court interview.
Rival Belinda Bencic (pictured right) offered to give up the spotlight for Serena Williams after defeating the 23-time grand slam champion at the Canadian Open. (Images: BeIn Sports)

The tennis world has praised Belinda Bencic for her beautiful act towards Serena Williams after defeating the 23-time grand slam champion at the Canadian Open.

Bencic's groundstrokes proved too much for Williams as she defeated the 40-year-old 6-2, 6-4 only a day after the tennis icon announced she would retire from the game following the US Open.

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The crowd roared for every Williams point, knowing it could be the last time the champion graced the court in Montreal.

Bencic embraced Williams at the net and offered some kind words, before conducting her on-court interview as the winner.

However, in a classy move, Bencic thanked the crowd before calling up Williams.

"I mean, tonight was really special. Also for me it was quite overwhelming," Bencic said of the occasion.

"I never imagined being able to play Serena so many times. It is always an honour. That is why I think tonight is about her."

Bencic then gestured towards Williams to take the spotlight and left the interview.

Williams was taken aback by the gesture and thanked Bencic as she took to the microphone in front of an adoring crowd.

"Thanks Belinda for those nice words," Williams said.

Fans were quick to praise the 'classy' moment from Bencic.

Serena Williams becomes emotional after defeat

Williams admitted it was an emotional day and thanked the crowd for all their support over the years.

"It was a lot of emotion because obviously I love playing here," she said in an on-court interview.

"I wish I could have played better today but Belinda played so well.

“It's been a pretty interesting 24 hours. I'm terrible at goodbyes, but goodbye, Toronto!”

Williams was gifted some flowers as members of the crowd yelled: 'We love you Serena'.

The 23-time grand slam champion became emotional as she teared up walking off court.

She will now turn her attention to the Cincinnati Masters next week before her farewell at the US Open.

Williams' farewell tour started after her announcement on Tuesday that she would retire from tennis after the US Open.

A tearful Serena Williams (pictured) waved to the crowd after her loss to Belinda Bencic at the Canadian Open.
Serena Williams (pictured) thanked the crowd after her loss to Belinda Bencic at the Canadian Open. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) (Vaughn Ridley via Getty Images)

"I have never liked the word retirement," she wrote in an article for Vogue magazine.

"Maybe the best word to describe what I'm up to is evolution. I'm here to tell you that I'm evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.

"A few years ago I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family."

Williams has been chasing the all-time grand slam record of 24 since winning her last major title in 2017.

However, Williams admitted she was content with her decision to retire.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I'm really not thinking about her. If I'm in a Slam final, then yes, I'm thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn't help," she said.

with AAP

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