Belinda Bencic wins first title since becoming a mum

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Belinda Bencic wins first title since becoming a mum

Belinda Bencic has come from behind to beat American Ashlyn Krueger 4-6 6-1 6-1 and claim the Abu Dhabi Open, her first WTA Tour title since the birth of her daughter.

Swiss ace Bencic, a former world number four and Olympic champion, celebrated the arrival of her first child, Bella, in April before making her comeback at the end of October at a low-level tournament in Hamburg.

The 27-year-old only returned to playing on the WTA Tour just over a month ago, but has wasted no time getting back up to speed, reaching the fourth round of the *********** Open.

She had defeated top seed and defending champion Elena Rybakina to reach Saturday’s final, and started sketchily 24 hours later as she looked to repeat her 2023 tournament success in Abu Dhabi.

Bencic struggled to hold serve in the opening set as Krueger forced four breaks to take the early lead, but the Swiss regrouped to twice break the 20-year-old American world No.51 and then hold to take command of the second set at 4-0.

Her momentum continued in the decider, with Bencic breaking in the second game before then holding a crucial third game to lead 3-0.

Although Krueger broke back in the sixth game, Bencic swiftly closed out a first match-point chance to clinch her ninth career WTA singles title.

Bencic’s husband, Martin Hromkovic, was in the crowd, and the Swiss player celebrated her win with their daughter when accepting the trophy at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.

“It’s been a while. It’s so emotional to come back and to win a title in front of my family is really special,” Bencic said during her post-match interview on court.

“Also to my coach, Iain (Hughes), I think we did such hard work to play here.

“To my husband and 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 the tournament.”

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