"Just follow the rules" says Bencic asked about the Australian Open

Bencic did not go into much detail about why she elected to follow the rules other than to compete at the event. She also underlined the need for a free choice in whether to do so but highlighted that this option is far better than the situation last year which had players quarantined for a prolonged time ahead of a very physically demanding event.

She explained:

"These are rules that I share. Then it's up to everyone to decide if he wants to follow them or not. We shouldn't have to live with a very long quarantine either. Although now with the new variant of the virus, things could change very quickly."

She further said:

"We will probably have new news soon. Last year was not easy, because obviously, it is not pleasant to spend so much time in a hotel room, but after that, it was a great challenge. Many people think that a couple of weeks without exercising makes no difference. Instead for an athlete it is very important."

Bencic also touchedu pon her 2021 season which had several highlihgts. She said:

"I'm very satisfied. I could have done a little more in the first part, but tennis is all about ups and downs. I was very lucky to have a perfect state of form in conjunction with the Olympics. I also did well at the US Open and with the Billie Jean King Cup team, we reached the final. Now that the ranking is back to normal, I have to think about climbing some positions. And I have to stop putting too much pressure on myself in important matches. Nobody expected me to win in Tokyo and it was the best win of my career."