Bencic Triumphs at Abu Dhabi Open with Daughter Bella in Arms

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Belinda Bencic celebrated a milestone victory at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on Saturday after defeating American Ashlyn Krueger 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the final. The win marked her ninth WTA title and her first since becoming a mother to her daughter Bella just 10 months ago.

The 27-year-old Swiss player showcased resilience, overcoming a first-set loss to secure the championship in front of an appreciative crowd at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre. Bencic credited her success to returning to competitive play after a year-long maternity leave and expressed her joy at achieving this moment in front of her family.

“It’s been a while,” Bencic said, clearly emotional during the victory speech. “I am super happy to be back here in Abu Dhabi. I didn’t imagine this.” She added, “To also win a title in front of my family, it’s really special.”

Bencic’s road to the final featured wins against prominent opponents, including the reigning 2023 Wimbledon champion. The match against Krueger was intense, with the young American initially taking control, firing 21 winners in the opening set. However, after regrouping, Bencic emerged forceful in the second and third sets, committing only three unforced errors in the second set and dominating the decisive set.

This victory is particularly significant for Bencic as she returned to the sport with her world ranking at a lowly 1,213. Following her performance in Abu Dhabi and reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open, she will rise to 65th when the updated rankings are published.

Krueger, who was ranked 51st and also on a promising ascent in her career, acknowledged Bencic’s remarkable comeback. “It is so impressive you coming back and being a mother, it’s really inspirational,” she stated in a gracious post-match interview.

After the match, Bencic embraced her baby daughter Bella, who was courtside during the final. In her emotional address, she dedicated the championship to her family. “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,” she said.

As a new mother, Bencic becomes the first player to win a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina did so in May 2023. With this title, Bencic adds to her impressive tally and signals her strong return to the sport, carrying the hope of further achievements in the upcoming tournaments.