Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic has criticized the increasing scrutiny around doping controls, stating, “Das Thema Doping geht bei uns schon in Richtung Paranoia,” according to an interview with the “Blick” published by tennisnet.com. The comments reflect her cautious approach to medications and supplements, as her team reviews every item, including lozenges and nasal sprays, before use. Bencic said she would rather forgo a substance than risk complications. “Im Zweifel verzichte sie lieber auf ein Mittel,” the article notes.
Bencic also described her dietary habits, emphasizing a pre-match meal of rice with olive oil and salt, a shift from pasta, which she previously consumed. She avoids sugar during tournaments, stating it provides a fleeting energy boost. The athlete, who has invested in the company Ka-Ex as an investor, mentioned using a creatine booster and an evening cortisol reducer from the firm. Her recent season has seen mixed results, including an early exit in Wuhan, but she aims to finish the year in the top 15.
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Bencic’s Concerns About Doping Scrutiny
Bencic’s remarks highlight the heightened awareness of doping protocols on the WTA Tour. "Das Thema Doping geht bei uns schon in Richtung Paranoia," she said, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the issue. Her team’s rigorous evaluation of lozenges and nasal sprays aligns with her emphasis on caution, a stance she attributes to the tour’s doping environment. “Jede Lutschtablette und jedes Nasenspray prüfe ihr Team zuerst,” the article states.
Cautious Approach to Medications and Diet
Bencic’s dietary adjustments reflect her focus on performance and health. She avoids sugar during tournaments, citing its negative impact, and notes that her pre-match meals have evolved from pasta to rice with olive oil. Her use of supplements, including creatine and a cortisol reducer from Ka-Ex, shows her strategy for managing physical demands. “Kreatin sei auf der Tour längst normal,” she said, indicating widespread acceptance of such products.
Recent Performance and Career Goals
Bencic’s season has included challenges, such as an early loss in Wuhan. She is now competing in Ningbo, Tokyo, and Hongkong, with the goal of securing a top-15 year-end ranking. Despite setbacks, she described herself as “motiviert und hungrig,” expressing determination to continue. Her investment in Ka-Ex marks her first foray into business, signaling a focus on life beyond tennis.
