A year ago, Belinda Bencic was ranked a lowly 421st in the world after returning from an 11-month maternity break, during which she welcomed her daughter, Bella.
Fast forward to 2026, and the former Olympic champion has not only reclaimed her top form but has stormed back into the world’s top 10, marking a historic return to elite tennis. She is the first woman to break into the WTA singles top 10 after giving birth since Serena Williams did so in 2019, 17 months after the birth of Olympia.
Bencic first entered the top 10 as an 18-year-old in 2016, becoming the first teenager to reach those heights since Caroline Wozniacki in 2009. Her Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 and several WTA titles in 2022 and 2023 cemented her status as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
However, pregnancy forced her to step away, and by the time she returned to competition in October 2024, she had slipped to 1,213th in the world.
Bencic’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable:
Australian Open 2025: Reached the fourth round
Abu Dhabi Open 2025: Clinched the title, holding Bella in one arm and the trophy in the other
Wimbledon 2025: Reached the semi-finals, losing to eventual champion Iga Swiatek
Pan Pacific Open 2025: Won her second title of the year
Her early 2025 struggles at the United Cup, where she was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, seemed a distant memory by 2026. Bencic dominated in Australia, winning all five of her singles matches, including victories over Paolini (No. 7) and Swiatek (No. 2), though Switzerland ultimately fell to Poland in the team final.
Swiss teammate and three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka celebrated her impact:
“We all know we’re living in Belinda’s world. Belinda, thank you for what you’re doing on the court. Thank you for what you’re doing off the court. You still came back so quick, so fast to that high level. This is so impressive to watch.”
For Bencic, the journey has been as much about family as it has been about tennis.
“I see myself as a mum first, and then a tennis player. My priorities are clearly with my family,” she said.
“Also super happy to be in the top 10 now. I think it’s been a huge goal, maybe a huge ride after the whole comeback, to come back and prove this to myself, that it’s possible. We keep on going.”
Her resurgence makes her a serious contender at the Australian Open, where she has yet to go beyond the fourth round. With momentum, confidence, and her daughter by her side, Bencic’s return to the top tier of women’s tennis is inspiring fans worldwide.
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