Belinda Bencic’s remarkable comeback is a story that defies odds and challenges societal norms—a tale of resilience, motherhood, and athletic excellence. Just a year ago, she was ranked 421st in the world, having taken an 11-month maternity break to welcome her daughter Bella. Fast forward to today, and she’s not only back in the top 10 but also a title contender at the Australian Open. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: Bencic is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2019 to re-enter the singles top 10 after giving birth. And this is the part most people miss—her journey wasn’t just about reclaiming her ranking; it was about redefining what’s possible for mothers in professional sports.
At 28, Bencic’s career has been a rollercoaster. She first cracked the top 10 in 2016 at just 18, becoming the youngest player to do so since Caroline Wozniacki in 2009. Yet, her first major title didn’t come until five years later, when she won Olympic gold in Tokyo. But her pregnancy in 2023 forced her to miss defending that title in Paris, and by October 2024, she had plummeted to 1,213th in the world. Many would have written her off, but Bencic’s comeback was nothing short of extraordinary. Less than four months after returning, she reached the fourth round of the Australian Open and won the Abu Dhabi Open, holding her trophy in one hand and Bella in the other—a moment that symbolized her dual roles as a mother and a champion.
Her 2025 season was solid, but it’s her 2026 start that’s turning heads. A deep run at Wimbledon, where she fell to eventual champion Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, catapulted her back into the top 20. Then came her stellar performance at the United Cup, where she won all five of her singles matches, including victories over Jasmine Paolini and Swiatek herself. But here’s the controversial part: despite her dominance, Switzerland lost the team event to Poland, leaving some to wonder if Bencic’s individual brilliance is enough to carry her team to victory.
Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka, a three-time major champion, summed it up perfectly: ‘We’re living in Belinda’s world.’ He even wore a T-shirt with her photograph during the tournament, praising her ‘impressive’ return. Bencic herself credits the United Cup as a ‘big confidence booster’ for the Australian Open, where she’s never advanced beyond the fourth round. ‘Being back in the top 10 is a huge goal achieved,’ she said. ‘It’s been a massive ride to prove to myself that this comeback is possible.’
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Can Bencic sustain this momentum and win a Grand Slam as a mother? Serena Williams did it, but only once. Bencic’s priorities are clear—she sees herself as a mom first, then a tennis player. Yet, her recent form suggests she’s capable of balancing both roles seamlessly. As she steps onto the court this Sunday, all eyes will be on her, not just as a contender but as a trailblazer redefining the boundaries of motherhood and professional sports.
What do you think? Can Bencic win a Grand Slam as a mother, or is the physical and emotional toll too great? Let’s discuss in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
