Coming back to professional tour after being a tennis mom could be tough, right? But Belinda Bencic seems to defy that as she is coming back to leave her mark on the tennis world. Making her comeback to the professional circuit after more than 400 days, the Swiss superstar started her United Cup campaign on a high. When asked about her comeback, she had nothing but respect for the players who have already achieved similar milestones.

Belinda Bencic celebrated a milestone by securing her first tour-level win as a mom at the United Cup. Just eight months after giving birth to her daughter Bella, Bencic returned to professional tennis and spoke candidly about her journey. “Thank you. I didn’t expect to be back so early. I have huge respect to all the moms. What women go through, the body change is amazing. We couldn’t be happier at the moment. We’re parents now. Our lives have changed, but definitely for the better. We’re super excited with Bella. She’s here. We survived the flight to Australia,” Bencic shared, with a smile that mirrored her joy.

When asked if motherhood gives her a different perspective, Bencic reflected on how it has reshaped her approach to the sport. “That’s what I’m here to find out. In the matches I played, I already think I was much calmer. I didn’t feel so much pressure I put on myself. Before tennis was all my life. I put so much pressure. Now it’s just not the most important thing. My priority is my family. I can leave a bad day at the office, on the tennis court behind. That’s something that’s changed.”

Belinda Bencic, a Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, has won seven WTA singles and two doubles titles. She broke through at 18, winning her first WTA title at Eastbourne and a WTA 1000 title at the Canadian Open. In 2019, she claimed another WTA 1000 title in Dubai and reached the US Open semifinals. She was vital to Switzerland in the Billie Jean King Cup and won Olympic gold and silver medals in 2021. Ranked as high as No. 4 in singles, her doubles best was No. 59 in 2016.

Bencic’s return adds her name to a growing list of tennis moms inspiring the WTA. Angelique Kerber came back after giving birth to Liana in February. Caroline Wozniacki returned in August 2023 after welcoming her second child, Olivia and James. Victoria Azarenka resumed competing in 2017 after giving birth to her son Leo in 2016. Serena Williams also paved the way, returning in 2018 after giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia in September 2017.

Making her comeback in 2025, Belinda Bencic has already set her sights on what she wants in the upcoming season.

Belinda Bencic sets her sights on the ultimate goal ahead of her comeback

In an interview with Tennis Magazin on November 28, Belinda Bencic opened up about her journey as a mother and her return to competitive tennis. The 27-year-old is working tirelessly to regain her form with the support of her former coach Ian Hughes and her husband, Martin Hromkovic, as she prepares for the Australian Open, the first Major of the new year.

Bencic expressed her unwavering desire to win a Grand Slam, a feat that has eluded her so far. “I still aim to win a Grand Slam title. I don’t know when and don’t put any time pressure on me, but it would be great until the end of my career,” she shared.

When asked if she dreams of becoming the next WTA mother to win a Major, following in the footsteps of Kim Clijsters and Margaret Court, Bencic enthusiastically replied, “Yes, that would be cool. I have always said that it is a dream and I will do my best. I train for that every day.” While Bencic acknowledges the unpredictability of results, her commitment remains steadfast. “In the end, I cannot influence whether it works or not, except that I will do everything for it,” she said.

Thus, ahead of her much awaited comeback, she has already set her sights on a major title. But, will she be able to achieve it? Do let us know in the comments below!