Belinda Bencic’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly women who aspire to balance motherhood and professional ambitions. Her resilience, commitment, and talent make her a role model for many
Her victory in Abu Dhabi is not just about winning a title; it is about proving that with determination, passion, and support, it is possible to return to the top of professional sports after significant life changes.
Tennis fans worldwide will be watching closely to see what she accomplishes next.
Belinda Bencic’s Abu Dhabi Open victory is a powerful story of determination, hard work, and the deep emotional connection she shares with her family.
Her journey back to the top reflects her resilience and passion for the sport. With her husband and daughter by her side, Bencic’s return to success is not just about winning matches—it’s about proving that dreams, even after life-changing events like motherhood, can still be realized.
Also Read: Belinda Bencic’s Sweet Family Moment: Glimpse of Love with Boyfriend Martin and Baby Bella
Table of Contents
Belinda Bencic’s Triumph in Abu Dhabi
A Mother’s Milestone Victory
Belinda Bencic recently marked a significant achievement in her career by winning the Abu Dhabi Open, her first title since becoming a mother.1
The Swiss tennis star has had a remarkable journey balancing her professional career and motherhood, demonstrating resilience and determination.
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) February 9, 2025
A Lighthearted Moment with Daria Kasatkina
During her time at the Abu Dhabi Open, Bencic had an amusing exchange with fellow tennis player Daria Kasatkina.
Kasatkina and her partner Natalia Zabiiako, through their YouTube channel ‘What the Vlog,’ shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their time at the tournament. In a candid moment, Kasatkina recounted her encounter with Bencic’s 10-month-old daughter, Bella.
“I saw Bella the other day, my God, she’s like—like it’s tough to make her laugh, but she’s so cute,” Kasatkina admitted.
Bencic humorously responded, agreeing that her daughter tends to be a bit skeptical at first.
“She’s very skeptical. At first, she just checks you out. She judges you, silently,” the Swiss athlete quipped.
Belinda Bencic: Comeback After Maternity Leave
Bencic’s journey back to the WTA Tour has been inspiring. She stepped away from the professional circuit in September 2023 and later announced her pregnancy in November of the same year.2
In April 2024, she and her partner, Martin Hromkovic, welcomed their daughter, Bella.
While many athletes face challenges when returning to competition after maternity leave, Bencic embraced the journey with determination.
She gradually re-entered the professional scene, participating in lower-tier tournaments to regain her form. Her return included helping Switzerland defeat Serbia in the Billie Jean King Cup in November 2024 and making it to the final of a WTA 125 event.
The Road to Victory in Abu Dhabi
The 2025 season has already been a breakthrough for Bencic. Her win at the Abu Dhabi Open signifies her ability to compete at the highest level once again.
Her journey through the tournament showcased not only her skill but also her mental fortitude.
Throughout the event, Bencic displayed remarkable consistency, defeating top opponents en route to the final.
Her ability to stay composed under pressure, a trait that has always defined her game, was on full display in Abu Dhabi.
Belinda Bencic: Balancing Motherhood and Professional Tennis
Bencic’s return to the top highlights the evolving landscape of professional sports, where more female athletes are proving that motherhood does not signal the end of a career.3
The Swiss star has openly spoken about the challenges of balancing parenting with the demands of professional tennis.
She acknowledges the difficulties but remains optimistic about managing both aspects of her life. Her ability to juggle training, matches, and motherhood exemplifies her dedication to the sport and her family.
Becoming a mother has given Bencic a fresh perspective on competition. She has expressed how her mindset has evolved, and she now approaches matches with a greater sense of purpose and calmness.
Many athletes who return to professional sports post-pregnancy often talk about playing with a renewed focus and determination. For Bencic, the experience of motherhood has added depth to her game and personal life.
Support from the Tennis Community
The tennis world has been supportive of Bencic’s return. Fellow players, coaches, and fans have celebrated her success and resilience.
The camaraderie in the sport was evident when players like Kasatkina took time to interact with Bencic’s daughter and share their experiences.
The support from her peers has undoubtedly played a role in her successful return, reinforcing the idea that professional athletes can thrive even after major life changes.
With her Abu Dhabi triumph, Bencic has set the tone for the 2025 season. The victory is a testament to her hard work, and she now aims to build on this momentum.
Her focus will be on climbing the WTA rankings, competing in major tournaments, and potentially contending for Grand Slam titles.
If her Abu Dhabi performance is any indication, she is well on her way to re-establishing herself as one of the elite players on the tour.
Also Read: Bianca Andreescu Reflects on Roger Federer’s Admission and the Power of Perseverance
Belinda Bencic: Dominant Performance
Bencic’s run to the Abu Dhabi Open title was defined by dominance. In the second round, she achieved a rare double bagel victory, winning 6-0, 6-0, showcasing her impeccable form.
She continued her impressive streak with a stunning semifinal victory over top-seed Elena Rybakina. In the final, she faced Ashlyn Krueger, overcoming the young American to claim the prestigious WTA 500 title.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Bencic’s victory was the presence of her husband, Martin Hromkovic, and their daughter, Bella.
Having her family courtside made the victory all the more special. Following her win, an emotional Bencic expressed her joy and gratitude, saying:
“I am super happy to be back here in Abu Dhabi. I didn’t imagine this. I am also getting a little bit emotional. I was working really hard to even play, coming back. So to also win a title in front of my family, it’s really special. To my husband and my daughter Bella, I love you so much. It was a big dream for me to come back and play in front of her and to win a tournament.”
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The Challenge of Returning After Maternity Leave
- Bencic’s road back to competitive tennis wasn’t easy. The Swiss player took a maternity break after the birth of her daughter, and her ranking took a significant hit, falling to World No. 489 by the end of 2024.
- Coming back to professional tennis as a new mother presented physical and emotional challenges, but Bencic proved her determination by climbing back up the rankings through sheer hard work and discipline.
- Before her Abu Dhabi Open victory, Bencic had already made significant strides in her comeback. By stringing together strong performances in early 2025, she had steadily climbed the WTA rankings.
- Her triumph in Abu Dhabi propelled her further, pushing her back into the Top 65. Her quick rise is a testament to her skill, mental strength, and the support system she has around her.
- One of the defining moments of Bencic’s tournament run was her semifinal victory over top-seeded Elena Rybakina.
- Rybakina, a former Grand Slam champion and one of the most formidable players on tour, was widely expected to win the tournament.
- However, Bencic delivered an exceptional performance, dictating play with her precise groundstrokes and aggressive style, securing a well-earned victory.
Belinda Bencic: Defeating Ashlyn Krueger in the Final
In the final, Bencic faced the rising American star Ashlyn Krueger. Despite Krueger’s impressive journey to the final, Bencic’s experience and tactical intelligence proved too much for her opponent.
The match saw Bencic controlling the baseline rallies and capitalizing on key break points to clinch the title.
Winning the Abu Dhabi Open was more than just another WTA title for Bencic. It symbolized her ability to return to the highest level of tennis after becoming a mother.
The venue held sentimental value, as it was the site of her last title before her pregnancy hiatus. The victory also reinforced her belief in her abilities and solidified her return to the elite ranks of women’s tennis.
The Growing Trend of Mothers Thriving in Tennis
Bencic’s comeback adds to the growing trend of mothers making successful returns in professional tennis.
Players like Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Elina Svitolina have demonstrated that motherhood doesn’t mark the end of a career but rather a new chapter filled with even greater motivation.
Bencic’s success serves as an inspiration to athletes balancing parenthood and professional sports.
With this remarkable victory, Bencic has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Her goal will be to continue building momentum and push further up the rankings.
The confidence gained from winning a WTA 500 event will undoubtedly fuel her ambitions for even bigger titles, including Grand Slam tournaments.
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