Belinda Bencic has made her mark with a fairy-tale comeback at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, claiming her first WTA title since embracing motherhood. The Swiss star’s triumph on February 8, 2025, solidified not just her return to the court but also her status among the elite as one of the few players to win following maternity leave.
Bencic’s thrilling final against American Ashlyn Krueger showcased her resilience and skill. After losing the first set 4-6, the 27-year-old rallied back decisively, winning the next two sets with scores of 6-1, 6-1, lifting her spirits and the trophy at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.
This victory is particularly remarkable, considering Bencic had only returned to professional tennis about 100 days earlier, following 13 months spent away from the tour after the birth of her daughter, Bella. While many athletes struggle to recapture their form after such significant life changes, Bencic has proven doubters wrong with her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Reflecting on the match, Bencic stated, "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 the tournament." Her words resonate deeply, highlighting the intersection of personal joy and professional achievement.
The path to her coveted title was anything but straightforward. Bencic triumphed over several formidable opponents during the tournament, including the defending champion Elena Rybakina, whom she defeated with extraordinary tenacity. The thrilling semifinal match resulted in Bencic taking the win with final scores of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, demonstrating her remarkable ability to join the ranks of players who rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Bencic’s performance was characterized by fierce, aggressive baseline play and strategic acumen, reminiscent of her previous successes, including her Olympic gold medal performance at the Tokyo 2021 Games. Throughout the tournament, she exhibited stamina and skill, culminating in her championship match where she showcased her trademark forehand strikes and tactical play.
After her win against Krueger, Bencic felt emotional due to the significance of the moment, saying, "It's tough to describe it with words. We are so appreciative and blessed to have Bella.... the emotions were just... I'm incredibly grateful." Such sentiments encapsulate the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with professional duties.
The significance of Bencic’s victory extends beyond her personal life; she is now part of an exclusive club of mothers who have returned to professional tennis post-baby and successfully clinched titles. This includes notable players like Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams, who are revered for their ability to juggle careers with motherhood.
Winning this title also positioned Bencic significantly on the world rankings. Starting from being ranked outside of the top 1,200 only months before, she will return to the top 65 following her victory, demonstrating both her skill on the court and her determination to ascend the ranks once more.
Meanwhile, her opponent Krueger, who had shown promise throughout the tournament, also made strides with her performance, projected to enter the top 40 by the following week’s rankings. Following the match, Krueger graciously complimented Bencic, saying, "It’s really impressive you coming back and being a mother; it’s really inspirational, so congrats and good luck.” Her remarks reflect the respect and admiration Bencic garners from fellow athletes, especially relating to her achievements as both a mother and competitor.
Despite experiencing early struggles with her serve, Bencic quickly adjusted her game. After facing 10 double faults and losing the first set, she recalibrated her strategy and dominated with her serve, asserting control over the match. Her determination was evident through her ability to handle pressure and capitalize on opportunities during the decisive final sets.
This week marked not only Bencic’s ninth career title but also solidified her love for the Abu Dhabi venue, as she acknowledged, "This is the first tournament I won twice, so this has got to be my favorite tournament.” Her sentiment highlights the personal connection athletes build with places where they achieve success.
All eyes are now on Bencic as she looks to maintain this momentum moving forward, with aspirations of re-entering the top tier of women’s tennis rankings. Given her recent accomplishments and renewed confidence, it would not be surprising to see her cause quite an impact on the WTA Tour as she continues to navigate both career challenges and the joys of motherhood.
Bencic’s story serves as inspiration to many, proving it is possible to achieve greatness both on and off the court. Whether representing her country or sharing joyful moments with her family, Bencic exemplifies both dedication and the power of resilience.