Bencic: "It was a dream to come back and play in front of my daughter"
The Swiss player returned to the circuit just four months ago and less than a year after becoming a mother. The result? Her first title of the year in Abu Dhabi. This has been her return to glory.
There are stories that touch the soul, and the story of Belinda Bencic sends shivers down the spine of many. The 27-year-old Swiss has a lot to celebrate today after being crowned at the WTA Abu Dhabi. Not only is this her ninth career title, but also the first one since becoming a mother about 10 months ago. That's right. Less than a year ago, in April 2025, Bencic gave birth to a daughter who today witnessed her mother's first triumph. Additionally, after a remarkable comeback against an astonishing Ashlyn Krueger.
And how has this been possible? Not through miracles, but rather the result of hard work and faith. The Swiss returned to competition in October of last year, just four months ago. Since then, she has only participated in seven events and played a total of 25 matches. She started in the W75 tournaments in Hamburg and Petange, then won a Billie Jean King Cup match and reached the final at the WTA 125 in Angers. Later on, she reached the round of 16 in Adelaide after advancing through the qualifiers and the fourth round in the Australian Open.
An example of overcoming challenges
Therefore, the former world number 4 and Olympic medalist has shown that it is possible, that becoming a mother should not be an obstacle to returning to the courts and pursuing any goal. The circuit is full of examples, and Bencic will join that list of mothers who have much to offer in the future. With her second title in Abu Dhabi (after winning in 2023), the Swiss will return to the top 100, virtually already occupying the 65th position.
"It has been a while. I am very happy to be back here in Abu Dhabi. I couldn't have imagined this, I am also a little excited. I have been working very hard to play again. And yes, it is very special to win a title in front of my family. I cannot thank them enough for the support they have given me throughout the week. And also to my coach, Ian, I think we have worked very hard to play here again. To my family at home, to my whole team, to the people who are helping me. And, of course, to my husband and my daughter, Bella. I love you all so much. This was a big dream for me, to come back and play in front of her, to win the tournament. This is the first tournament I win twice. So, this has to be my favorite", said Bencic in the awards ceremony. Here's to many more victories!
Husband and daughter in attendance 👩❤️👨👶
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 8, 2025
Belinda Bencic feels honored to win in front of her family 💕#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/B6T2koiuPP
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Bencic: "Era un sueño volver y jugar delante de mi hija"