In a stunning display of resilience and determination, Belinda Bencic has claimed the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, marking a significant milestone in her career on Saturday. After returning to professional tennis just four months following the birth of her daughter, Bella, Bencic demonstrated exceptional skill and mental fortitude by overcoming Ashlyn Krueger with a final score of 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. This victory is particularly noteworthy as Bencic is now the first mother to secure a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina’s win in Strasbourg in May 2023, and the first to do so since Victoria Azarenka’s triumph at a WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati back in 2020.
Bencic’s journey back to the tennis court has been anything but easy. The former world No. 4 found herself ranking outside the top 150 after her maternity leave, yet her performance at the Abu Dhabi Open speaks volumes about her dedication and training during her time away. The event holds personal significance for Bencic, who had last celebrated victory on its courts in February 2023. With a perfect 9-0 record in Abu Dhabi tournaments, her emotional victory resonates deeply with both her and her supporters. As Bencic expressed, “It was a big dream for me to come back and play in front of [Bella] and to win the tournament. This is the first tournament I’ve won twice… I will have to come back here for the rest of my career!”
During the final, the match dynamics showcased Krueger’s strong start, as she dominated the first set with an impressive arsenal of 21 winners. However, Bencic remained unfazed, adjusting her strategy and showcasing her experience in the subsequent sets. Only committing three unforced errors in the second set, she turned the tide decisively. The decisive final set saw Bencic break Krueger’s serve multiple times, commanding a significant lead that ultimately led her to clinch the title with her 30th winner after two hours and 23 minutes of high-intensity tennis.
A Symbol of Inspiration
This championship serves as an inspiring chapter not just for Bencic, but also for countless athletes who juggle motherhood with competitive sports. Krueger’s words post-match encapsulate this sentiment beautifully, remarking on the inspirational nature of Bencic’s journey. Such narratives are essential as they illuminate the evolving landscape of professional sports, where the achievement of motherhood and athletic success can and does coexist. Bencic, holding her trophy in one hand and her daughter in the other, symbolizes hope and progress in a domain often fraught with challenges for mothers.
The victory at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open underscores Bencic’s tenacity and serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary feats that are possible with hard work and determination. As she looks ahead, fans will undoubtedly be excited to see how this championship shapes her future in the sport.