Belinda Bencic is back—and better than ever. After taking time off from the WTA Tour to embrace motherhood, the Swiss tennis star has made a stunning return to the court in 2025. With renewed focus, resilience, and the joy of welcoming her daughter Bella into the world, Bencic is proving that it’s possible to thrive both as a parent and a professional athlete. From clinching a title in Abu Dhabi to celebrating emotional victories on her daughter’s first birthday, her comeback is already one of the most inspiring stories of the tennis season.
Belinda Bencic’s Comeback: A New Chapter in 2025
The year 2025 marks a defining chapter in Belinda Bencic’s career—not just as a professional athlete, but as a mother returning to elite competition. After stepping away from the WTA Tour in 2023 to embrace motherhood, Bencic gave birth to her daughter, Bella, in April 2024. Her absence from the court left fans eagerly anticipating her return, and she did not disappoint.
What makes Bencic’s comeback so powerful isn’t just the wins—though they’ve been impressive—but the way she’s embraced her new identity. In interviews, she’s spoken candidly about how motherhood has reshaped her mindset. Tennis, once all-consuming, now shares space with a more grounded perspective. “It’s no longer life or death,” she said. “Now I play with joy, for me and for my daughter.”
Despite the physical and emotional demands of a maternity comeback, Bencic has returned to the WTA Tour with fire and focus. Her 2025 season opened with a bang, as she quickly reminded the world of her talent, strategic finesse, and champion mentality.
With renewed purpose and a growing fan base that admires her both on and off the court, Belinda Bencic’s comeback is more than a return—it’s a reinvention. She’s not just playing tennis again; she’s rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for women in sport.
Winning in Abu Dhabi: First WTA Title as a Mom
Belinda Bencic’s first major milestone in her 2025 comeback came at the Abu Dhabi Open, where she secured her ninth career WTA singles title—and her first as a mother. This victory wasn’t just about the trophy; it was a powerful statement to the tennis world: she’s back, and she’s stronger than ever.
The tournament wasn’t an easy ride. After shaking off some early rust, Bencic hit her stride, defeating a string of formidable opponents—including the tournament’s top seed, Elena Rybakina, in the semifinals. Her performance in the final against rising American star Ashlyn Krueger was a masterclass in resilience. Despite losing the first set 4–6, Bencic stormed back to win 6–1, 6–1, showing both mental toughness and tactical brilliance.
This title win in Abu Dhabi holds special significance. It was not just about climbing back into the rankings—it was a celebration of her journey. For many fans and fellow athletes, Bencic’s victory symbolized the triumph of determination, balance, and belief. She became one of the few WTA players to win a title after returning from maternity leave, joining a growing list of inspiring athlete-mothers who are reshaping the future of women’s tennis.
Her win also gave her a boost in the rankings, confidence, and momentum heading into the clay season—turning her comeback story into one of the most talked-about narratives in 2025.
Madrid Milestone: A Birthday and a Breakthrough
Just weeks after her title win in Abu Dhabi, Belinda Bencic continued her momentum at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, where she delivered another strong performance—this time with even more emotional weight behind it. In her opening match, she defeated Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sönmez with a dominant 6–0, 6–2 scoreline, advancing to the second round in convincing fashion.
But what made this victory even more special was the timing: the match took place on her daughter Bella’s first birthday. Bencic shared a heartfelt message on social media after the win, expressing how meaningful it was to celebrate such a special day on court. It wasn’t just a win on paper—it was a personal breakthrough, blending the highs of motherhood with the highs of competition in a way only a few athletes have ever experienced.
This match also served as a crucial test for her readiness on clay, a surface that demands patience, stamina, and strategic variation. Bencic showed she hadn’t missed a beat, using her signature variety and court sense to dismantle her opponent efficiently. The performance sent a clear message: she wasn’t in Madrid just to participate—she came to compete.
Next, she’s set to face Clara Tauson, the 20th seed, in a highly anticipated second-round clash. It will be a step up in challenge, but also another opportunity for Bencic to demonstrate just how far she’s come—not just since returning from maternity leave, but as a more mature, composed, and confident version of herself.
Balancing Motherhood and Tennis: Bencic’s Honest Reflections
Returning to the court after becoming a mother is a monumental challenge for any athlete, but Belinda Bencic has been open and honest about the struggles and rewards of balancing her tennis career with motherhood. In interviews, she has shared that her perspective on both life and tennis has shifted dramatically since the birth of her daughter, Bella, in 2024.
Bencic has made it clear that tennis is no longer the all-consuming pursuit it once was. “Tennis no longer feels like life and death to me,” she remarked in one interview, emphasizing the perspective shift that comes with becoming a parent. The pressure to perform has been replaced by a focus on enjoying the sport, playing for herself, and enjoying the time she spends with her family.
Yet, balancing motherhood with the rigorous demands of a professional tennis career isn’t easy. The travel, the training, the early mornings, and the long matches—these elements can be especially challenging for mothers, who often must leave their young children behind. For Bencic, having a strong support system has been key to navigating this new chapter. Her husband, Martin Hromkovic, has been an integral part of her journey, offering support both on and off the court. In addition, her coaching team has been understanding of her new priorities, allowing for flexibility in her training schedule.
Despite the obvious challenges, Bencic finds immense joy in her dual roles. “Motherhood has taught me to be present,” she says, noting how much she values the moments she spends with Bella. This fresh approach to life has not only allowed her to return to tennis with renewed energy but has also contributed to her overall happiness and sense of fulfillment. This joy is evident in her on-court performances, where she’s playing with a sense of freedom and passion that has resonated with fans worldwide.
As one of the few top-level players balancing both motherhood and a competitive career, Bencic’s story is a source of inspiration for many. Her ability to thrive in both roles, without sacrificing one for the other, is a testament to her strength and resilience.
What’s Next for Belinda Bencic in the 2025 WTA Season?
Following her remarkable comeback in 2025, Belinda Bencic is poised to continue her ascent in the WTA rankings. As of April 2025, she has secured a spot in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open, where she is set to face the 20th seed, Clara Tauson, on April 25, 2025 . This matchup presents a significant opportunity for Bencic to further demonstrate her prowess on clay, a surface that has traditionally been challenging for her.
Looking ahead, Bencic’s schedule includes several high-profile tournaments:
- Italian Open (WTA 1000): Scheduled for May 6–18, 2025, this tournament will be crucial for Bencic to gain momentum leading into the French Open .
- French Open (Grand Slam): Taking place from May 25 to June 8, 2025, Roland Garros will be a significant test of Bencic’s adaptability and endurance on clay courts.
- Wimbledon (Grand Slam): Set for June 30 to July 13, 2025, Wimbledon offers Bencic the chance to showcase her skills on grass courts, where she has previously reached the quarterfinals.
In addition to these tournaments, Bencic’s participation in the Canadian Open (WTA 1000) from July 27 to August 7, 2025, will be pivotal for her preparation for the U.S. Open . As Bencic continues her journey through the 2025 season, her performances in these upcoming tournaments will be instrumental in determining her trajectory in the WTA rankings and her potential to secure a spot in the year-end WTA Finals.
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Belinda Bencic | Player Stats & More – WTA Official (wtatennis.com)
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