“Life is as complicated as you make it,” said Belinda Bencic. Bencic last competed in the San Diego WTA tournament in September 2023. She then went on a maternity leave. Seven months later, she welcomed daughter Bella with her partner Martin Hromkovic and is now returning to professional tennis. And she is taking ‘baby steps’ to regain her form in time for the 2025 Australian Open. However, with her motherhood duties taking priority, Bencic credits her anticipated comeback to her “uncomplicated” infant daughter.

In October this year, the  2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist made her tennis comeback at an ITF tournament in Hamburg. She then participated in another ITF event and represented Switzerland in the Billie Jean King Cup. In an interview with Germany’s Tennis Magazin, dated November 28, the former World No.4 opened up about entering motherhood, and making a comeback in just 7 months of giving birth. When the interviewer asked, “The quick return also suggests that you have an uncomplicated child, doesn’t it?” Bencic replied,

“Yes. I have to say, she really is very uncomplicated. It’s like Tatjana Maria[German professional tennis player] said, “If the parents are uncomplicated, the children are uncomplicated too.” I took that very much to heart. I think that’s our lifestyle and if we teach the child that, then they will see this life as normal.”

While Bencic is still breastfeeding her daughter, she chooses to be flexible and uncomplicated to get the best of both worlds. She further added, “Yes, it’s true, I am still breastfeeding. That was important to me. I think it is the best thing for my baby. That’s why I decided to do it if I can. Of course, playing tennis and breastfeeding are different, but you can combine them. You also have to be flexible and uncomplicated.”

Despite everything, Belinda Bencic has not given up on her goal to win a Grand Slam. However, only two players have claimed a major title after giving birth, and Bencic hopes to add her name to the list.

Belinda Bencic stays firm on her goal to win a Grand Slam ahead of the 2025 Australian Open

It’s not easy to be both a tennis star and a mother at the same time. But many players like Serena Williams, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki, etc have made successful return while making it big in the circuit. And two WTA players, Kim Clijsters and Martina Court, even won Grand Slam after making a comeback from their maternity leaves. Bencic hopes to follow in their footsteps.

After winning 8 career titles and Olympic gold and silver medals, Bencic doesn’t want to let go of her dream of winning a Grand Slam. “Yes, of course, I set goals. I still have the goal of winning a Grand Slam title. I don’t know when and I’m not putting any time pressure on myself, but it would be great to finish my career. On the other hand, I’m already really happy with my career. Even if it’s over now, I can say that I’m extremely happy. From a sporting perspective, winning the Olympics was the best thing I’ve ever experienced.”

For now, the Swiss star wants to focus on making her way back into the circuit and climbing up the ranks. Hopefully, she would be able to fulfill her goal of winning a Grand Slam, with her daughter beside her.