Discover Belinda Bencic inspiring comeback to tennis in 2025, winning the Abu Dhabi Open just months after maternity leave.
Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has made a remarkable comeback to the WTA Tour in 2025, clinching her first title since returning from maternity leave. In February, she triumphed at the Abu Dhabi Open, defeating Ashlyn Krueger 4–6, 6–1, 6–1 in the final .
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born on March 10, 1997, in Flawil, Switzerland, Bencic began playing tennis at the age of two. She trained under the guidance of Melanie Molitor, the mother and coach of Martina Hingis, and quickly rose through the junior ranks. By 2012, she turned professional and made her top 100 debut shortly after turning 17. Her breakthrough came at the 2014 US Open, where she became the youngest quarterfinalist since Martina Hingis in 1997.
Career Highlights
Bencic career has been marked by significant achievements. In 2015, she won two WTA titles, including the Canadian Open, where she defeated four of the top six players in the world. She made her top-ten debut the following year at the age of 18. Despite facing injuries from 2016 through 2018, Bencic made a strong comeback in 2019, winning her second Premier-5 title at the Dubai Championships and reaching her first major semifinal at the US Open. In 2021, she won the gold medal in singles at the Tokyo Olympics and silver in women’s doubles.
Maternity Leave and Return to the Tour
In September 2023, Bencic took a break from tennis due to pregnancy. She gave birth to her daughter, Bella, on April 23, 2024. Just six months later, she made her return to competitive tennis, playing in ITF events in Hamburg and Luxembourg, and helping Switzerland in the Billie Jean King Cup .
2025: A Year of Resurgence
Bencic 2025 season has been a testament to her resilience and determination. In February, she won the Abu Dhabi Open, marking her first title since returning from maternity leave. This victory was particularly special as she became the first mother to win a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina in 2023 .
Following her triumph in Abu Dhabi, Bencic continued her strong performance at the Indian Wells tournament, defeating top players like Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova. Her impressive run brought her back into the top 50 of the WTA rankings for the first time since February 2024, reaching No. 45 in March 2025 .
Personal Life and Endorsements
Outside of tennis, Bencic has been active in various endeavors. She has been endorsed by Yonex for racquets since turning professional and has had partnerships with Adidas, Nike, and Asics for clothing and footwear. In July 2022, she became a brand ambassador and honorary Chief Inspiration Officer for the Swiss digital private bank, Alpian .
Bencic journey from a young tennis prodigy to an Olympic champion and now a mother returning to the top of her game serves as an inspiration to many. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passion.
