MELBOURNE — The journey back to the summit of women’s tennis is arduous for any player, but for Belinda Bencic, the path wound through a life-changing detour few at the elite level navigate: motherhood. In January 2024, just eight months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, the Swiss star was ranked World No. 421. This week, as the 2025 Australian Open gets underway, Bencic has officially returned to the WTA’s top 10, a staggering and inspirational climb that signals her readiness to contend for the sport’s ultimate prizes once more.
The Ultimate Challenge: Motherhood and a Comeback
Bencic’s ascent is not merely a return to form; it’s a redefinition of what’s possible in the modern game. Her last match before maternity leave was a victory at the 2023 Australian Open. She returned to competition in September 2024 at the WTA 250 event in Guangzhou, carrying not just the physical demands of a comeback but the profound emotional shift of being a mother-athlete. "The perspective is completely different," Bencic has reflected in recent interviews. "Before, tennis was my entire life. Now, it’s a huge part of my life, but it’s not everything. Winning or losing, I come home to my daughter, and that’s a win no matter what."
The technical and physical rebuild was methodical. Under the guidance of her father and coach, Ivan, Bencic focused on regaining her signature timing, footwork, and the clean, aggressive ball-striking that once made her an Olympic champion. The process required patience, a trait she says motherhood profoundly deepened. Her schedule was carefully managed, balancing training blocks with family time, a stark contrast to the non-stop grind of her pre-motherhood career.
A Meteoric Rise Through the Ranks
What followed her return was nothing short of spectacular. Bencic’s ranking trajectory tells the story of a player on a mission:
- September 2024: Returns at No. 421 in Guangzhou.
- October 2024: Wins the WTA 250 title in Seoul, defeating a seeded player in the final, rocketing back into the top 200.
- November 2024: Reaches the semifinals of the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan, a run that included wins over two top-20 opponents.
- December 2024: Caps the season with a runner-up finish at a stacked WTA 500 tournament, securing her top-20 return.
The catalyst for her top-10 return was a stunning start to the 2025 season. At the Brisbane International, a traditional Australian Open warm-up, Bencic powered through a loaded draw, showcasing a newfound mental fortitude. She saved match points in a thrilling quarterfinal and displayed her trademark tactical intelligence in a straight-sets semifinal victory, ultimately finishing as a finalist. The points earned propelled her past the symbolic threshold.
The "Mom Strength" Phenomenon
Bencic is part of a growing cohort of players, including Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina, and Naomi Osaka, who are reshaping the narrative around motherhood in tennis. This shift is often colloquially referred to as "mom strength"—a blend of physical resilience, sharper mental focus, and a healthier separation between professional and personal life. "You have less time to overthink, less time to dwell on a bad practice," Bencic explained. "Every minute on court is precious and has a purpose. I think that efficiency has made me a better player."
Eyes on the Prize: Australian Open Ambitions
Now, as the first Grand Slam of the year begins, Bencic arrives not as a sentimental story but as a genuine threat. Her game, built on taking the ball early and redirecting pace with precision, is perfectly suited to the fast hard courts of Melbourne Park. Her 2025 seeding ensures she will avoid other top contenders in the early rounds, allowing her to build momentum. More importantly, she carries the confidence of having beaten the best very recently. "I never doubted I could get back to this level," she stated firmly in her pre-tournament press conference. "But to do it this quickly, it confirms the work we’ve done. Now, the goal is not just to be in the top 10, it’s to win tournaments. This is one of them."
The challenges are formidable. The women’s field is deeper and more competitive than ever, with Iga Świątek seeking a third Australian Open title, a resurgent Naomi Osaka, and a host of young stars like Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva. Yet, Bencic’s experience—a 2019 US Open semifinalist, 2021 Olympic gold medalist, and former world No. 4—gives her a strategic edge. She has played on the biggest stages and knows how to navigate the pressure of a major fortnight.
A New Chapter, A Renewed Legacy
Belinda Bencic’s story transcends sports. It is a powerful testament to resilience, meticulous planning, and the evolving landscape of women’s athletics. Her return to the top 10 is a historic achievement, making her one of the fastest players ever to climb from outside the top 400 back into the elite after having a child. It sends a clear message to athletes everywhere that family and elite performance are not mutually exclusive but can be synergistic. "I want Bella to grow up seeing her mother pursue her dreams with passion and hard work," Bencic said.
As she steps onto the court at Melbourne Park, she carries the hopes of Swiss tennis and the inspiration for countless working parents. From 421st to the top 10 in under a year, Belinda Bencic’s journey is already a triumph. Now, with the clarity and strength of a champion who has gained the ultimate perspective, she sets her sights on the final step: Australian Open glory. The comeback is complete; the conquest has just begun.