It's a pretty big understatement to say Belinda Bencic adores The Championships.

"If someone told me you have to eat one kilo of strawberries every day to win Wimbledon, I would do it," she said. We all would, Belinda.

The Swiss collects every player accreditation and towel from each Championships she has competed in. Now in her ninth main draw at the All England Club, Bencic is enjoying her progress to the third round.

"I love the strawberries, my daughter LOVES the strawberries, she's addicted to them. We have the whole box each at least once a day, for sure," she said.

"I love [renting] a house close by, it creates a lovely atmosphere compared to a normal hotel at another tournament. Here you feel a little bit more at home. I always bring puzzles along, in case it's going to rain - it is London!

"The locker rooms are so nice. I'm not in the members' locker room now, because I'm not seeded [in the] top 16 now, but they help create this special atmosphere before we play. They are so classic, clean, elegant.

"I love the flowers all around the Grounds... I love it all here."

Bencic is back competing in SW19 just 15 months after becoming a mother and family time with Bella and her husband, Martin Hromkovic, has enhanced the Wimbledon experience for the former world No.4.

"It's super special, the first time being here with my daughter, taking all the pictures possible. I really take time to take a step back and enjoy these moments, appreciate it all as a family.

"This tournament is the one most in my heart and the one I wish to play my best in. It's gone well so far."

The 28-year-old's favourite Wimbledon memory is her fourth round venture in 2023. Since Bella's arrival, the transition back to the Tour has been seamless. Bencic reached the last 16 at this year's Australian Open, lifted a WTA 500 title in Abu Dhabi and dispatched Coco Gauff en route to the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.

"It was definitely a very nice Wimbledon [in 2023], even though I was so close to beating [Iga] Swiatek in the fourth round," (main picture) said the world No.35, who was pipped 6-3 in the third set by the Pole.

"Then, of course, even nicer things happened ... having Bella, it's been a really nice time off, if you can call it that. The comeback has been really strong and I'm so happy I'm able to play here in such good form.

"I'm most proud of my body. For sure, I've never thought of my tennis in this way, but the journey it's been through, the hormonal changes, the physical changes, it's amazing what a women's body can do.

"I'm happy with the way I was able to push my way thorough to come back, working really hard. Of course there are challenges and niggles along the way, but in general I'm proud of how I can be here."

At home, a glass cabinet houses her career trophies and mementos. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games singles gold medal takes prime position, with the Wimbledon 2013 girls' singles title close by.

"I have huge memories. As a junior you're so bright-eyed to everything - I remember the match point like it was yesterday. It's incredible to say you have been a champion at Wimbledon," said Bencic, who triumphed in three sets against Taylor Townsend.

"My name is on a board at Centre Court and over at Aorangi Park, too, in the junior locker rooms.

"I remember getting ready for the Champions' Ball with all the make-up and everything. My dad must have been outside the locker room for three hours, going crazy with my brother, sweating in their tux. It was a really nice memory, going to the ball in a super nice dress and being part of it all."

Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto is the next obstacle to a return to the second week at The All England Club. There will be an abundance of strawberries fuelling Bencic, but what else will be required for a deeper run?

"Fighting spirit, giving my luck a chance. I'll be working as hard as possible, preparing well.

"I'll play my tennis, try my best, control what I can control and I'll also need the stars to align.

"Every year is special. I feel like I want to perform here too much, sometimes. I've put too much pressure on myself, because I love this place so much. I want to do my best here and stay here as long as possible."

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