Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic lifted the Abu Dhabi Open trophy with her baby daughter Bella in her arms after defeating American Ashlyn Krueger in the final, securing her ninth WTA title and first since becoming a mother.
The 27-year-old former Olympic champion fought back from a set down to overcome 20-year-old Krueger 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, marking a remarkable return to the sport just 10 months after giving birth and less than four months since resuming competition following over a year on maternity leave.
“It’s been a while,” Bencic said, addressing the appreciative crowd at Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.
Her last WTA title came at the same tournament in February 2023.
“I am super happy to be back here in Abu Dhabi. I didn’t imagine this. I am also getting a little bit emotional,” she added, after the courtside presenter broke down in tears while handing her the trophy.
“I was working really hard to even play, coming back. So to also win a title in front of my family, it’s really special.
“To my husband and my daughter Bella, I love you so much. It was a big dream for me to come back and play in front of her and to win a tournament.”
Bencic’s world ranking had dropped to 1,213 when she returned to the tour in October, but after reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and now claiming victory in Abu Dhabi, she has climbed back into the top 100 and is set to rise as high as 65th in the next rankings update.
World No. 51 Krueger, who has been on a rapid rise in recent months, initially seemed poised for an upset that would have given her a second career title and first at WTA 500 level.
Bencic, who was broken four times in the opening set, found her rhythm to mount a comeback, continuing the strong form that saw her upset top seed Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals.
Despite her disappointment, Krueger was gracious in defeat, saying in her post-match interview: “It is so impressive you coming back and being a mother, it’s really inspirational, so congrats and good luck.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
