Belinda Bencic's Remarkable Return to Tennis After Motherhood

Belinda Bencic, the Swiss tennis player, has made a remarkable ascent in the world rankings since returning to competitive tennis after giving birth. After dropping to world No. 1,213 in October 2024, Bencic has climbed back into the top 10, culminating in a significant victory at the United Cup on January 11, 2026. In the final, she defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, winning decisively with a score of 6-0, 6-3, marking her ninth consecutive victory that week.

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Bencic attributes her improved performance to a shift in mindset and a focus on physical fitness. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the process rather than fixating on results, stating, “I’m focusing more on the process and not so much on the results – which is funny because the results are coming as well.” Her return to the sport was gradual; she began training again three months postpartum, initially participating in smaller Challenger events to regain confidence and match play before re-entering the WTA tour.

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The challenges of motherhood have influenced Bencic's approach to her career. She prioritizes her daughter, Bella, ensuring that her needs come first. Bencic and her husband, Martin Hromkovic, who also serves as her strength and conditioning coach, have developed a flexible routine to manage both parenting and training. Bencic noted, “If it hadn’t worked out I wouldn’t have done it – but we found a good schedule.” This balance is crucial as they travel with minimal support, relying on each other to navigate the demands of competition.

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As Bencic prepares for the Australian Open, she remains cautious about predictions, acknowledging the unpredictability of the tournament format. “You have to win seven matches in a row... sometimes you can be in the best form of your life and then you play a match and your opponent is just better on that day,” she explained. Despite this, she expresses confidence in her abilities, stating, “I can play great tennis and I’m on the same level with the top players.”

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Bencic has expressed pride in her journey back to the top, reflecting on her emotional return to the top 10 after finishing 2025 ranked No. 11. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and not succumbing to pressure during her comeback. “I had no expectations and I wasn’t putting myself under pressure,” she remarked.

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• “I definitely think I’m a better player now than I was before my pregnancy,” — Belinda Bencic

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• “But then, if that doesn’t happen, my world doesn’t crash.” — Belinda Bencic

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• “But for me it was always most important not to sacrifice anything that Bella needed.” — Belinda Bencic

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• “Well, you know,” she says, almost shyly, “my dream of winning a grand slam still continues.” — Belinda Bencic

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Bencic's journey illustrates the complexities of balancing elite sports with motherhood, showcasing her resilience and determination as she aims for further success in her tennis career.

The Guardian