Belinda Bencic shares insights into her change of mindset after becoming a mother amidst resurgence in 2025

Since returning to tour after giving birth, Belinda Bencic won her first WTA title at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open.

Belinda Bencic shares insights into her change of mindset after becoming a mother amidst resurgence in 2025

Belinda Bencic (via Instagram)

In November 2023, Belinda Bencic announced she was pregnant from her relationship with her fitness coach, and former Slovak footballer Martin Hromkovic. Their daughter Bella, was born on April 23, 2024.

Bencic took a break from the sport in September 2023 and returned back to tour in October 2024. Since returning to tour after giving birth, Bencic won her first WTA title at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open. She overcame several higher-ranked players on her way to the finals, including top seed and defending champion Elena Rybakina. After this victory, Bencic moved up 92 places in the WTA rankings to world No. 65 on 10 February 2025, reclaiming the position as the top Swiss player.

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I think it has obviously changed after coming back. I always put a lot of pressure on myself and try to do everything perfectly. I think it’s just about priorities, what tennis means to me has changed. It obviously means a lot, but it’s not my entire world anymore. So, I don’t think about it when I’m in the match. I think it’s something that has naturally happened, and I didn’t expect it to happen, but that’s how I feel.

Belinda Bencic told the Indian Wells Press

Reflecting on her career, after giving birth to her daughter, Belinda Bencic remarked that a lot has changed. The hardest by far for the Swiss has been the physical part, especially the first time one tries to practice.

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The transition from having a very athletic body and then just a huge belly is “crazy” according to the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist. Bencic described the first months as tough and painful, especially the cardio. Though the workouts are not fun, Bencic feels as she is getting better every day; it keeps her going and motivated.

Belinda Bencic will face Madison Keys in the 2025 Indian Wells quarterfinals

Belinda Bencic has had a very impressive run so far at the 2025 Indian Wells. She had an opening round victory against Tatjana Maria in straight sets. She then defeated Amanda Anisimova in the next round, and a straight-set victory over Diana Shnaider in the round after.

Belinda Bencic
Belinda Bencic (via Instagram)

I don’t think there’s a Bencic 2.0. So, I don’t think I’m better or not. It’s just part of my life. I don’t think everything has changed now just because I have a baby. Firstly, I didn’t have a baby to improve my career. I had a baby because we felt that was the purpose of our life. That’s what we wanted. It came at the right time in our lives. It had nothing to do with my decision to play tennis or not, or whether I’m going to be better than before or not. I don’t think there’s a Bencic 1, Bencic 2, Bencic 3. If you count how many times I’ve come back, there should be a Bencic 7. I just feel the same, and I don’t want to compare all the time if I’m better or not.

Belinda Bencic added

Bencic has now secured a spot in the quarterfinals after delivering an incredible upset over World No. 3 Coco Gauff in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, Bencic will face Madison Keys, who has returned to tour with the Indian Wells after her Australian Open title win. The head-to-head record between both players stands at 2-2.

Female tennis players now eligible for 12 months paid maternity leave

Earlier this month, the WTA announced a maternity fund for women players, which is sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Under this program, more than 320 Hologic WTA Tour players can access paid maternity leave for up to 12 months.

There is also a provision for paid parental leave for up to two months for those who become parents via partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption. It also provides grants for egg and embryo freezing and IVF treatment.

This move is a huge step forward in supporting women athletes. Many women tennis players and other athletes have lauded this groundbreaking step taken by the WTA and PIF. This pioneering initiative marks the first time in women’s sports that a comprehensive range of maternity benefits is being made available to independent, self-employed athletes.