Belinda Bencic Wins First WTA Title as Mother in Abu Dhabi

Belinda Bencic achieved a significant milestone by winning the Abu Dhabi Open, marking her first WTA title since becoming a mother. After a challenging start to the season and a year-long maternity break, she displayed resilience by coming from behind to defeat Ashlyn Krueger with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. The victory is particularly special as it makes her the first mother to win a WTA title since Elina Svitolina in May 2023, and it brings her total WTA titles to ten. The triumph was emotionally charged, with Bencic celebrating on court with her husband and daughter, Bella, who provided her with extra motivation during the match. Bencic's remarkable comeback has drawn praise from tennis legends, underscoring her impressive return to form. With this win, she has climbed to 65th in the world rankings, just outside the top 50, demonstrating her rapid ascent post-maternity leave.