### Historic Wimbledon Semifinals: Bencic and Swiatek Make Their Mark In a thrilling day at Wimbledon on July 9, 2025, both Belinda Bencic and Iga Swiatek achieved significant milestones by reaching the semifinals of the prestigious tournament for the first time. Bencic, the unseeded Swiss player, pulled off a stunning upset against seventh-seeded Mirra Andreeva, while Swiatek, the eighth seed, showcased her prowess by defeating Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets. This marks a pivotal moment in both players' careers, with Bencic's journey being particularly remarkable as she returns to the sport after giving birth. ### Breakdown of the Semifinalists' Achievements 1. **Belinda Bencic's Journey** - Bencic defeated Mirra Andreeva with a score of 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in a match characterized by two tense tiebreaks, marking her first semifinal appearance at Wimbledon [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/bencic-stuns-andreeva-set-swiatek-145828160.html]. - This victory is notable as Bencic has risen 450 ranking spots since her return to the WTA Tour after maternity leave [https://sportskeeda.com/tennis/from-giving-birth-daughter-reaching-wimbledon-sf-rising-450-ranking-spots-belinda-bencic-s-incredible-story]. 2. **Iga Swiatek's Performance** - Swiatek secured her semifinal spot by defeating Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 7-5, demonstrating her improved performance on grass courts [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/iga-swiatek-liudmila-samsonova-result-score-wimbledon-semi-finals-b2785677.html]. - This victory is significant as it marks Swiatek's first semifinal appearance at Wimbledon, adding to her accolades as a five-time Grand Slam champion [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-07-09/iga-swiatek-beats-liudmila-samsonova-to-reach-the-wimbledon-semifinals-for-the-first-time]. 3. **Upcoming Semifinal Matchup** - The semifinals will feature a highly anticipated match between Bencic and Swiatek, both of whom are looking to secure a place in the final [https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/pix-swiatek-storms-into-first-wimbledon-semi-final-bencic-andreeva/20250709.htm]. ### Key Statistics and Match Highlights - **Belinda Bencic vs. Mirra Andreeva** - Match Duration: 2 hours and 7 minutes - Tiebreaks: Bencic won both tiebreaks decisively, showcasing her mental strength under pressure [https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/belinda_bencic_iga_swiatek_reach_wimbledon_semifinals/s1_17056_42433095]. - **Iga Swiatek vs. Liudmila Samsonova** - Match Duration: 1 hour and 49 minutes - Swiatek's performance included a dominant first set, though she faced a tougher challenge in the second set [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/07/09/swiatek-gets-goosebumps-after-reaching-first-wimbledon-semi-final]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in Wimbledon History **Both Belinda Bencic and Iga Swiatek have made history by reaching the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.** 1. Bencic's comeback story after motherhood adds a compelling narrative to her performance. 2. Swiatek's victory signifies her growth on grass, overcoming previous challenges at Wimbledon. 3. The upcoming semifinal promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both players eager to advance to the final. This Wimbledon has not only highlighted the resilience and talent of these athletes but also set the stage for a new chapter in women's tennis [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/09/wimbledon-iga-swiatek-belinda-bencic-semifinals].