Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic has completed one of the most extraordinary comebacks in modern tennis, surging from a ranking of world No. 1,213 back into the elite top 10 just 14 months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella. The Swiss star, 28, insists she is now a better player than she was before her pregnancy, a claim emphatically backed by her recent form.
A Meteoric Rise Back to the Top
Bencic's remarkable journey hit a new peak on 11 January, when she defeated world No. 2 and Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek in the United Cup final in Sydney. After dropping the first set, Bencic produced a masterclass, winning the next two sets 6-0, 6-3 to seal her ninth consecutive victory for Switzerland that week. This imperious performance officially marked her return to the WTA top 10, a staggering ascent from her lowly ranking in October 2024 when she first returned to competition.
"I definitely think I'm a better player now than I was before my pregnancy," Bencic stated, reflecting on a year that defied the immense challenges facing a touring mother. The physical and psychological demands of the WTA circuit are relentless, yet Bencic has navigated them with a renewed perspective. She credits a shift in mindset, focusing more on the process than results, and a dedicated focus on improving her physical fitness and on-court movement.
The Balancing Act: Tennis, Travel, and Motherhood
Bencic's return was meticulously planned. Unlike some, she did not rush back to the main tour. Instead, she and her team, which includes her husband and strength coach Martin Hromkovic, chose to begin in smaller Challenger events. This pragmatic approach allowed her to rebuild match sharpness and confidence away from the spotlight.
The logistical challenges were profound. Bencic was still breastfeeding during her first four tournaments back, requiring careful scheduling around Bella's needs. "We had to figure out the schedule with Bella. How are we going to make this work?" she explained. Her daughter's well-being was always the priority. "If it hadn't worked out I wouldn't have done it – but we found a good schedule."
Now in Melbourne for the Australian Open, Bencic's support team remains intentionally small. It's just her, Martin, Bella, and coach Iain Hughes. They have opted against a nanny, wanting Bella to grow up closely with her parents, even if it means Hromkovic juggling coaching duties with 24/7 fatherhood. "We're travelling with just the three and a half of us," Bencic laughed, admitting they often wing it day by day.
Grand Slam Dreams and a New Perspective
Victory over Swiatek was particularly sweet for Bencic, having been soundly beaten by the Pole in the Wimbledon semi-finals last summer. The win symbolised her complete return to the sport's highest level. While pundits now tip her as a contender for the Australian Open title, Bencic remains cautiously focused on one match at a time, starting with her first-round clash against Britain's Katie Boulter.
Motherhood has provided a healthy detachment from the rollercoaster of results. Bella's unconditional love offers a powerful tonic to the pressures of professional sport. "My world doesn't crash," Bencic said of a loss. "I am able to leave everything else on the court and have a life without being measured by results."
Despite this balanced outlook, the competitive fire still burns brightly. Having achieved her goal of a top-10 return, Bencic has set her sights on the ultimate prize. "My dream of winning a grand slam still continues," she revealed. "So yes, I'm going to try to do that, with everything I have. We'll see if it works out. I hope it does, and I do believe I can do it." Her story is no longer just about a comeback; it's about a champion reborn, with greater perspective and power than ever before.
