‘This is for Roger Federer and Martina Hingis,’ says Olympics gold medal winner Belinda Bencic

Belinda Bencic won the women’s singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics before dedicating it to compatriots Martina Hingis and Roger Federer.

Bencic was not one of the pre-tournament favourites but she was able to negotiate her way to the final where she beat Marketa Voundrousova 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

In doing so and winning an Olympics singles gold medal, she did what neither Hingis or Federer have achieved in their careers, but she said the success was theirs too.

“I think I accomplished it for them,” Bencic said.

“I think they did so much in their careers. I’m not sure I will ever be able to do what they have done.

“But maybe I could help them to accomplish this one by giving them this Olympics. So it’s both for Martina and for Roger.”

Asked if she had heard from Federer since winning the gold medal, Bencic replied: “Yes, he wrote to me today.

“He said this was the perfect day to reach my dreams and I was really happy about that. And he was absolutely right.

“He is incredible in that way, he really supports all of the Swiss players.

“He is behind us and it’s just incredible the type of support I receive from Roger Federer, so this win is also for him.”