Abu Dhabi: Belinda Bencic wins first title as a mom in a career-defining moment at the Abu Dhabi Open. But it wasn’t just about the tennis. It was about the love and support from her family, especially her nine-month-old daughter, Bella.
An Emotional Victory
On Saturday, Bencic clinched her ninth WTA title with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over American Ashlyn Krueger. However, this win held extra significance—it was her first title as a mother.
After the match, the Swiss star expressed her emotions. “It meant the world to me,” Bencic told CNN Sport. “It’s a mini dream come true that she was able to be with me and see this moment.
A Tough Battle on Court
Bencic had to fight hard for her victory. She lost the first set but made a strong comeback, playing aggressive tennis and breaking Krueger’s serve five times in the final two sets. The match lasted two hours and 23 minutes, ending with Bencic celebrating with her daughter in her arms.
Her husband and fitness coach, Martin Hromkovič, was also there, cheering from the sidelines. “In the third set, I could hear them, and it gave me an extra boost,” she said.
A Remarkable Comeback
The road back to professional tennis hasn’t been easy. Bencic gave birth in April 2023 and returned to competition just months later. Thanks to the WTA’s protected ranking system, she was able to enter tournaments based on her pre-maternity leave ranking.
Currently ranked No. 157, she became the third-lowest-ranked player to win a WTA 500 event. At one point, her ranking had dropped as low as No. 1,213. With this win, she is set to break into the top 100 again.
Challenges of Returning to Tennis
Bencic admitted the comeback was physically demanding. “When I first started running after giving birth, I could barely move,” she recalled. “But slowly, my body remembered what to do, and things got smoother.”
She is part of a growing group of tennis mothers making a strong return to the sport. Other players like Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber have also resumed their careers after motherhood.
Life as a Traveling Tennis Mom
Balancing motherhood and tennis is a new journey for Bencic. She and her husband are adjusting to traveling the world with Bella. “She’s a happy baby, and it’s been easy to travel with her so far,” she said. “She just started crawling, so things will get interesting!”
Despite the challenges, Bencic cherishes the ability to separate her personal and professional life. “A bad day on the court stays on the court. At the end of the day, I go home, and we enjoy family time. That’s what matters most.”
Looking Ahead
With her confidence restored, Bencic is ready for more. Next up is Dubai, followed by a series of tournaments in the U.S. If her performance in Abu Dhabi is any indication, she’s on track for an incredible season.
