Belinda Bencic’s return to Abu Dhabi comes wrapped in quiet confidence rather than ceremony. Twelve months after lifting the trophy and less than a year removed from giving birth to her daughter, the Swiss star begins her title defense on Wednesday against Sonay Kartal — carrying one of the most extraordinary comeback stories on the WTA Tour.
Bencic welcomed her daughter in April 2024 and eased her way back through smaller events. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. From world No. 421, she surged back into the Top 10 within a year, collecting titles and, by her own admission, playing even better tennis than before motherhood.
“There was only a small celebration, mostly with myself,” Bencic told The National. “After the United Cup, it was nice, but then you immediately move on. Melbourne was next, and you have to stay fully focused. Of course it means a lot. Even if it’s just a number, it’s something you dream of.”
It marks the third time Bencic has returned to the Top 10 in her career — but this one carries a different weight.
Australian Open setback still lingers
Bencic opened 2026 in blistering form, going unbeaten in singles at the United Cup and recording five wins, including two over Top-10 opponents. That momentum made her one of the early dark horses in Melbourne, only for her Australian Open run to end abruptly in the second round against Nikola Bartunkova.
“To be honest, it took longer than usual to process that loss,” Bencic admitted. “It felt very bitter. I came in with such a good feeling. But my opponent played incredibly well and deserved it. It’s a shame when it happens at a Grand Slam — but in tennis, you need a short memory.”
That mindset now carries her back to Abu Dhabi.
“I love this tournament,” she said. “Coming back with such good memories, it feels like no time has passed. I’m really happy to be here again.”
Managing expectations, not chasing them
With her ranking restored and expectations rising, Bencic is focused on preserving the mentality that fueled her resurgence.
“Of course expectations grow,” she explained. “But I’m trying to keep the same mindset that got me here. Sometimes you feel like you always have to measure yourself against the very best — but some days, you just need to play with what you have and trust it.”
That balance — ambition without pressure — has become central to her comeback.
The ‘Super Mom’ narrative — embraced, but compartmentalized
Bencic was also asked about the growing spotlight on WTA mothers thriving after childbirth, alongside players like Elina Svitolina.
“I think it’s both,” she said. “It should be celebrated, because what women are doing after having children is incredible. But when I step on court, I don’t think about being a mother, a wife, or a daughter. I’m just a tennis player.”
Perspective, she added, comes after the match.
“When you step back and think, ‘She came back into the Top 10 in a year,’ that’s amazing. That deserves recognition. But on court, the focus has to be tennis.”
In Abu Dhabi, Bencic begins another chapter — not chasing validation, but trusting the process that brought her back to the top.