Belinda Bencic has made a fairy-tale return to the WTA Tour, capturing her first WTA 500 title in Abu Dhabi after an incredible comeback run. The Swiss star, who gave birth to her daughter Bella in April 2024, proved that motherhood hasn’t slowed her down, as she powered through the field to claim her first title since returning to the sport.
Bencic’s Stunning Championship Performance
On Saturday, Bencic staged a thrilling comeback against rising American Ashlyn Krueger, defeating her 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 to lift the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open trophy. This victory marked her first title since becoming a mother—a milestone that very few players in WTA history have achieved.
Her path to glory wasn’t easy. Just one day earlier, Bencic shocked top seed and defending champion Elena Rybakina, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, showing her relentless fight and championship mentality.
The Road to the Abu Dhabi Title
✅ Round 1: Defeated Rebecca Sramkova
✅ Round 2: Defeated Veronika Kudermetova
✅ Quarterfinal: Defeated Marketa Vondrousova
✅ Semifinal: Defeated Elena Rybakina (Defending Champion)
✅ Final: Defeated Ashlyn Krueger
This title run included two comeback victories in back-to-back days, proving that Bencic still belongs among the best in the sport.
Bencic Overcomes Doubts & Motherhood Challenges
Returning to professional tennis after a 15-month absence was no easy task, and Bencic admitted she had major concerns before making her comeback.
🗣 “I was really worried that the speed of the ball and the speed of how the girls are serving now, and returning and everything, would be maybe a bit too much, or a little bit too early for me.”
But the former world No. 4 quickly silenced those doubts, displaying the same aggressive baseline play and strong court awareness that made her an Olympic gold medalist in 2021.
A Historic Moment for Bencic & Women’s Tennis
Bencic’s victory is historic—few players in WTA history have returned from maternity leave and won a title so quickly. Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, and Tatjana Maria are among the few women to have achieved similar feats, and now Bencic joins that elite club.
With her confidence restored, could we see Bencic back in the Top 10 soon?