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What does it mean to win a professional sports title after becoming a mom? For Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic, it signifies a profound and emotional milestone that transcends mere athletic achievement.
At the Abu Dhabi Open, Bencic experienced a ‘mini dream come true’ moment that will be etched in her memory forever. The tennis court, usually a place for fierce competition and intense training, transformed into a sanctuary of joy and emotion for Bencic, who won her ninth WTA title while cradling her baby daughter Bella in her arms.
Bencic, who celebrated this historic win on Saturday, achieved it against American rising star Ashlyn Krueger. Despite losing the first set 4-6, she showcased her resilience and skill by dominating the next two sets with a score of 6-1, 6-1, effectively breaking Krueger’s serve five times. The match lasted two hours and 23 minutes, a testament to the physical and mental stamina required at elite levels of competition.
“It meant the world to me,” Bencic expressed in a post-match interview, shedding light on how invaluable the support from her family was during the match. “To have my husband and my daughter there cheering me on gave me an extra boost.” The emotional connection she felt while playing in front of her family elevated this championship win to an unparalleled level.
After giving birth, Bencic faced the challenge of returning to elite-level tennis, where competition is robust and unyielding. In her effort to reclaim her position, she started competing again after a long maternity leave, with her ranking plummeting to as low as 1,213. Yet, the return was swift as she reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, signaling the start of her journey back to the top.
Bencic's victory in Abu Dhabi marked her first title as a mother, and the first for any mother in the WTA Tour since fellow player Elina Svitolina's victory earlier in the year. This accomplishment puts her in the company of other notable mothers in the sport, such as Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber, who have also balanced motherhood with a demanding professional athletic career.
As Bencic’s story unfolds, it sheds light on the remarkable ability of professional athletes to rise against the odds. Her journey is not only inspiring for those involved in sports but also resonates with mothers everywhere coping with the dual challenges of parenthood and career. “You cannot really describe the love before you have children,” she articulates, underlining how motherhood enriches her life and perspective beyond the tennis court.
Moving forward, Belinda Bencic’s trajectory in the sport appears promising. The upcoming events in Dubai and various competitions across the United States will put her skills to the test as she continues to climb the ranking ladder. Moreover, her family is adapting well to life on the road, as they travel together to tournaments globally.
In conclusion, Bencic's victory is not just about the title; it represents the amalgamation of hard work, determination, and the unique joy of newfound motherhood. The strength she displayed in Abu Dhabi will inspire many, and as she continues her journey in the world of tennis, she carries with her not just a trophy but also the love and support of her family, which she regards as her ultimate motivation.
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