Teenagers to watch in 2015... Belinda Bencic

Is there finally a new Swiss miss?

Fifteen years ago, if someone had said that teenagers would be all but extinct from the top of the women's game, many would have thought they were crazy. But the current climate of the WTA is just that, a physical and demanding sport that just isn't made for girls still developing their games.

Enter Belinda Bencic, such is the talent of the young Swiss, she has been able to create a name for herself at just seventeen years of age. In a world where tennis is dominated by strong, athletic women in their late 20s, the youngster has shone through with fine finesse and free flowing ability. With a singles ranking of 32, Bencic will be seeded at Grand Slam events in 2015 which should provide a platform to bigger and better things.

During her stellar run at the US Open. Source: Zimbio

You wouldn't say that Swiss tennis is the strongest in the world, but they do make a strong case. With Federer and Wawrinka at the top of the world in the men's game, they need a female champion to complete the set. Gone are the days where Martina Hingis was the Swiss Miss and dominated the women's game with her immense skill and picked apart her opponents like a precise operation, however the tiny European may have found a new women's champion.

"I'm willing to call it, Belinda Bencic will be winning grand slams..."

Belinda Bencic seems ready to take over the mantle as the new Swiss Miss and has the game to back it up.  She has already conquered the junior world, becoming the world number 1 junior in 2013 along with two junior grand slams (Roland Garros and Wimbledon). Her transition to the senior game has been most impressive, so smooth it was that it caught most people off guard.

Her 2014 highlights included a stellar run at the Premier clay event in Charleston where she reached the semi finals. She also made her first appearance in a WTA final at the International event in Tianjin. Perhaps her finest effort though was her breakthrough on the big stage at the US Open where she reached the quarter final. Bencic announced herself to the world with wins over the likes of Angelique Kerber and Jelena Jankovic.

Winning the Roland Garros girls title. Source: Zimbio

Bencic has an all round game, her technique is sound off both wings. She takes the ball early to create more power but also understands the importance of playing the percentages, much like Hingis did in her wonder years. The young Swiss is fast, her movement and defence win her a lot of matches and can frustrate the best of players. Don't take Bencic for just another retriever though, she can create her own pace and put the ball away for a winner if she needs to.

Going forward, I'd like to see Belinda create a big weapon in her game, a weapon that her opponents will be scared to hit to. Right now, she beats opponents with consistent pressure, she can run down every ball but if they drop it short she will also put it away. Her game will develop in the coming years, she's playing in the most physical generation of women's tennis so it will take time.

Perhaps more importantly than anything, she has the belief. She knows that she belongs at the top of the game, this will take her a long way. It's always interesting to see how young player back up after their breakout year, it'll really be a testament to Bencic if she can keep kicking on as most teenagers will have a let down after an amazing season. 

I'm willing to call it, Belinda Bencic will be winning grand slams in 2-3 years time.