Belinda Bencic wins Abu Dhabi; first title post-maternity leave
Swiss star Belinda Bencic claims the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, marking her first WTA victory since becoming a mother.
Belinda Bencic celebrated a significant milestone by clinching the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, her first WTA victory since returning from maternity leave. The Swiss former world number four overcame American Ashlyn Krueger with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 in a match lasting two hours and 23 minutes. This triumph comes less than four months after Bencic resumed competitive play, following the birth of her daughter, Bella, in April 2024.
Reflecting on her victory, Bencic expressed her emotions, stating, “It was a big dream for me to come back and play in front of [my daughter] and to win the tournament.” She added, “This is the first tournament I’ve won twice… I will have to come back here for the rest of my career!”
Bencic’s journey back to the winner’s circle has been marked by determination and resilience. Since her return to the tour in October 2024, she has been steadily regaining her form, culminating in this notable victory in Abu Dhabi. Her performance not only highlights her talent but also serves as an inspiration to athletes balancing parenthood with professional sports. Belinda Bencic described her recent tournament victory as a “mini dream come true.”
Inside the Baseline…
A title after time away always carries extra weight. The challenges of stepping back, rebuilding, and proving there’s still more to give make the victory even more meaningful. Maternity leave adds another layer—returning not just to competition but to the highest level. Winning so soon after coming back isn’t just about form; it’s about persistence, balance, and pushing past doubts. It’s a reminder that time away doesn’t mean the end of success, just a different path to it, and Belinda Bencic shows this.
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