4:17 am - February 24, 2025
Belinda Bencic’s Historic Victory and the Power of Motherhood
Belinda Bencic made history at the Abu Dhabi Open, clinching a victory that transcended the tennis court. The Swiss player, who is also a new mother, defeated USA’s Ashlyn Krueger in a thrilling match, securing her ninth WTA title and her first since becoming a mom. The 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 win marked a significant milestone in her career, as she became the first mother to win a WTA title since Elina Svitolina in May 2023. The victory was not just about the tennis; it was a celebration of resilience, love, and the unwavering support of her family. Bencic’s husband and nine-month-old daughter, Bella, were in the stands, cheering her on—a moment she described as “the world” to her.
The match itself was a testament to Bencic’s mental and physical strength. After losing the first set, she bounced back with aggressive play, breaking Krueger’s serve five times over the next two sets. The victory, which took two hours and 23 minutes, was sealed with emotion. Bencic, who is also the 2021 Olympic gold medalist, was overcome with joy, carrying her daughter onto the court during the trophy ceremony. “It’s been such a special moment,” she shared, reflecting on the immense love and energy her family brought to the match.
Motherhood and the Journey Back to Tennis
Bencic’s return to professional tennis has been nothing short of remarkable. After giving birth to her daughter in April 2023, she began her journey back to the sport, navigating the challenges of motherhood and elite-level competition. The protected ranking system has allowed her to compete in a limited number of tournaments based on her pre-maternity leave ranking. Currently ranked No. 157 in the world, Bencic defied the odds by becoming the third-lowest-ranked player to ever win a WTA 500-level tournament.
Her journey back to the court was not without its difficulties. Bencic recounted her early struggles, describing how she could barely run just weeks after giving birth. “When I had my first run after giving birth—that was, I think, maybe eight or 10 weeks—I couldn’t run. It was crazy,” she admitted. However, she persisted, gradually rebuilding her strength and stamina. Over time, her body began to remember the demands of the sport, and her progress became smoother.
Family: The Core of Her Strength
Bencic’s support system has been instrumental in her success. Her husband, Martin Hromkovič, who also serves as her fitness coach, has played a pivotal role in her return to tennis. Together, the family travels to tournaments around the world, a journey they are still adjusting to. “You cannot really describe the love before you have children,” Bencic said, expressing her gratitude. “She’s healthy and 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.”
Bencic joins a growing list of mothers in professional tennis, including former Grand Slam champions like Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber. While the path is challenging, Bencic has found an unexpected benefit in motherhood: it has helped her separate her personal life from her career. “I feel like a bad day at the office kind of stays on the court,” she said, explaining that her perspective has shifted. “If I lose, it’s not terrible, and we just have a nice day together as a family.”
A New Chapter in Her Career
The victory at the Abu Dhabi Open marks a new chapter in Bencic’s career. After falling as low as No. 1,213 in the world rankings near the end of last year, she is set to rise significantly, likely breaking back into the top 100. For Bencic, this win is not just about the rankings or the trophies—it’s about the balance she’s found in her life. Motherhood has given her a newfound sense of purpose and joy, both on and off the court.
As she prepares for her next tournament in Dubai, followed by a series of events in the U.S., Bencic continues to inspire fans around the world. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of family. For Belinda Bencic, the future is bright—both as a tennis star and as a mother. Her victory in Abu Dhabi is more than just a win; it’s a celebration of all the moments—big and small—that make life worth cherishing.