Belinda Bencic extra motivated to practice serve thanks to Purina Switzerland partnership

There’s nothing like striking the perfect ace. But how about when it benefits more than just the person at the service line?

That’s the current landscape for Belinda Bencic, who in March announced a partnership with Purina Switzerland. Backing the brand’s ‘Pro Plan’ line, the former Olympic champion contributes 1,000 meals towards animals in need for every ace she hits.

The Swiss recently expanded the cause at a Billie Jean King Cup Finals qualifier to involve her teammates and spoke about collaborating with the pet food company following an opening-round victory at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia Thursday.

“I’m very motivated to hit aces. I think it’s just a great project together, with a partnership that I really believe in,” Bencic told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj. “I love dogs, I love cats. I would love to have an animal shelter once I stop playing.

“I’m super proud and I’m practicing my serve a lot to do ace! It’s more tough here but in Madrid, I did quite well.”

The No. 12 seed dismissed Bianca Andreescu, 6-4, 6-1, to begin her campaign in Rome following a fourth-round showing at the Mutua Madrid Open. Bencic is without daughter Bella at this event, as the two-year-old gets some quality time with her grandparents.

“I miss her so much, but I’m getting like hundreds of videos per day. I miss her but it’s also nice to go out to restaurants, sleep in, and have a lot of time,” she laughed.

In the same quarter of the draw as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Bencic next meets 22nd-seeded Anna Kalinskaya. The 29-year-old is undefeated in her four prior encounters with the Russian.