Bencic Eyes Wimbledon History, Balancing Motherhood and a Stunning Return to Form
A remarkable resurgence at Wimbledon is unfolding for Belinda Bencic, who is aiming to become the first mother to claim the singles title in 45 years – all while navigating the challenges of parenthood with her 14-month-old daughter, Bella, in tow. The Swiss player demonstrates a remarkable composure, stating she isn’t adjusting her routine despite potential sleep disruption.
Bencic’s journey back to the top echelons of tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary. She openly prioritizes her role as a mother, explaining during the tournament, “I see myself as a mum first, and then tennis player. My priorities are clearly with my family.” This perspective, she believes, has been instrumental in her recent success.
From Maternity Leave to Championship Contender
The athlete embarked on maternity leave from September 2023 to October 2024, and expressed surprise at the speed of her return to form. Starting the year ranked 489th in the world, Bencic is now projected to re-enter the WTA top 20 following her performance at Wimbledon. This impressive climb is underscored by her February victory at the Abu Dhabi WTA 500 title.
Her previous deep run in a Grand Slam came nearly six years ago, reaching the semi-finals of the 2019 US Open where she ultimately lost to Bianca Andreescu in straight sets. This current form represents a significant leap forward.
The Power of a New Perspective
Bencic attributes her improved performance to the positive impact of motherhood. She reports feeling “more relaxed” and having “less time to think about tennis,” a shift in mindset that appears to be benefiting her game. “I don’t adjust anything, I’m just being a mum at home. When she cries in the night, I’ll wake up,” she said, dismissing any concerns about the impact of parenting on her competitive edge. “It’s not something that’s going to affect me for my [match].”
This blend of dedication to family and unwavering focus on her athletic goals positions Bencic as a compelling figure at Wimbledon, and a potential history-maker.
