Bencic wins 1st WTA title after maternity leave

Belinda Bencic got here from behind to beat Ashlyn Krueger 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 and seize the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title on Saturday, 4 months after returning to the circuit from maternity depart.

The Swiss former world No. 4, who’s now outdoors the highest 150, gave start to her daughter, Bella, in April. She turns into the primary mom to say a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina received in Strasbourg in Could 2023.

It was additionally the largest title received by a mom on the WTA tour since Victoria Azarenka triumphed on the 2020 Cincinnati Open, which is a WTA 1000 occasion.

Bencic’s final trophy had additionally are available in Abu Dhabi in February 2023 and the 27-year-old Tokyo Olympics gold medalist has a 9-0 file on the occasion.

“It was a giant dream for me to come back again and play in entrance of [Bella] and to win the event,” Bencic stated.

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“That is the primary event I’ve received twice. … I must come again right here for the remainder of my profession!”

Krueger, who’s slated to interrupt into the highest 40 on Monday, managed the opening set the place she fired 21 winners however Bencic got here again within the second with solely three unforced errors.

Within the decider, Bencic broke early to go 2-0 up earlier than breaking once more to take a 5-1 lead.

After two hours and 23 minutes, Bencic fired her thirtieth winner to say the title, later posing with the trophy in a single arm and her daughter within the different.

“It is so spectacular, you coming again, being a mom. It is actually inspirational,” Krueger stated.