Belinda Bencic, the 27-year-old Swiss tennis player, achieved a significant milestone by winning the Abu Dhabi Open, marking her ninth WTA title. This victory at a WTA 500-level tournament is particularly memorable as it comes in her first tournament as a mother. Bencic's remarkable comeback story includes a rise from a world ranking as low as No. 1,213 near the end of last year to breaking well into the top 100 with this latest triumph.
Bencic's journey to this victory has been marked by determination and resilience. The Abu Dhabi Open is her fourth tour-level event since giving birth to her daughter, Bella, in April of the previous year. Before the tournament, she was ranked No. 157, making her the third-lowest-ranked player ever to win a WTA 500-level tournament. Her triumph on the court lasted two hours and 23 minutes, culminating in an emotional trophy ceremony where she carried her nine-month-old daughter onto the court.
“You cannot really describe the love before you have children, and we are very blessed and very grateful,” – Belinda Bencic
Bencic's journey back to the top of professional tennis has not been without its challenges. Reflecting on her return to action, she shared how challenging it was initially to regain her form post-pregnancy.
“When I had my first run after giving birth – that was, I think, (after) maybe eight or 10 weeks – I couldn’t run, it was crazy,” – Belinda Bencic
Her husband, Martin Hromkovič, who also serves as her fitness coach, has been instrumental in supporting her comeback. Together, they have navigated the demands of professional sports alongside parenthood. Bencic has embraced the balance between her career and family life, finding joy and motivation in both roles.
“I feel like a bad day at the office kind of stays on the court,” – Belinda Bencic
“and then when I’m off the court, I have so many other things to worry about and to do … If I lose, then it’s not terrible, and we just have a nice day together as a family.” – Belinda Bencic
Bella, described by Bencic as a happy and easygoing baby, accompanies her parents on tour.
“She’s healthy and she’s really a happy baby. She doesn’t cry much, and it’s very easy right now to travel with her. She just started crawling, and, yeah, just very lucky to be able to have her.” – Belinda Bencic
Bencic's victory also highlights her place in history as the first mother to win a WTA title since Elina Svitolina in May 2023. Her success has inspired many, showcasing that professional athletes can achieve greatness while embracing motherhood.
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