WIMBLEDON, England – The smile was perhaps the most persistent thing about Belinda Bencic`s quarterfinal victory at Wimbledon 2025. Even after securing the final point in a tight match against the young, formidable Mirra Andreeva, the wide grin remained fixed. It was the look of someone who had just achieved something significant, perhaps even unexpected, and was utterly relishing the moment. “Crazy, unbelievable, a dream come true,” she beamed to the Centre Court crowd, acknowledging the rarity of the occasion – her first Wimbledon semifinal, only her second at a Grand Slam overall.
Yet, calling it merely a “dream” feels almost too simple. Bencic`s journey to this point is a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptation, and a fundamental shift in perspective. It`s not just a return to form; it`s a return to the top echelons of the sport after embracing the profound changes that motherhood brings.
The Road Back
Once a top-five player and an Olympic gold medalist, Bencic stepped away from the tour in late 2023 following the announcement of her pregnancy. Her daughter, Bella, arrived in April 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter that extended far beyond the tennis court. While the desire to compete again was present, the path back was uncertain. She returned quietly at the end of 2024, initially navigating smaller events, before rejoining the main WTA Tour in January 2025.
Early results were promising, perhaps even exceeding her own cautious hopes. A run to the fourth round at the Australian Open and a title win in Abu Dhabi hinted at her enduring talent. However, an arm injury forced a withdrawal from the French Open, disrupting her momentum. Her grass-court preparation was minimal, just a single match before arriving at the All England Club. Optimism, she admitted, wasn`t exactly overflowing.
But the beauty of sport, and perhaps life, is its capacity for surprise. Through five matches at Wimbledon, the unseeded Bencic has carved a path through the draw with conviction. Her quarterfinal win over the highly-rated Andreeva showcased her experience and composure under pressure, particularly in navigating two crucial tiebreaks. Next, a formidable challenge awaits in five-time major champion Iga Swiatek. But regardless of the outcome, Bencic`s ascent back towards the top 20, after starting her comeback outside the top 1000, is a remarkable statistical achievement.
Balancing Motherhood and the Tour
Bencic is part of a growing cohort of mothers on the WTA tour, inspired by pioneers like Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams, and supported by new maternity policies. Nine mothers were in the main draw this year at Wimbledon, a testament to changing times and increased support systems. Yet, the reality of balancing the demands of elite, globetrotting tennis with raising a young child remains extraordinarily challenging.
The physical recovery from pregnancy is one hurdle, but the logistical gymnastics are arguably just as daunting. Traveling with a baby involves a level of planning that makes packing for a standard tennis tournament seem like a walk in the park. Checking weather forecasts for destinations not just for herself, but for Bella. Worrying about finding specific baby supplies, like milk, halfway across the world. The eternal quest for accommodation with a washing machine to manage the inevitable mountain of laundry. Bencic candidly described the “logistics of things” as the hardest part, noting, with a touch of weary humor, that she often overpacks for Bella while bringing almost nothing for herself.
However, Bencic has a significant advantage: her husband, Martin Hromkovic, is also her fitness coach and travels with her, ensuring their daughter can be with both parents. Her mother`s help on tour further strengthens this vital support network. This team effort is, she emphasizes, crucial to her being able to compete at this level.
A New Perspective
Observing other mothers` varied experiences – from Serena Williams` valiant but ultimately title-less Grand Slam returns to Naomi Osaka`s struggles for consistency, contrasted with Elina Svitolina`s successful resurgence – Bencic knew there were no guarantees. Self-doubt about her game`s ability to keep pace with a constantly evolving sport lingered initially.
But motherhood has brought an unexpected, perhaps even ironic, benefit: a profound shift in perspective. Tennis, once the absolute center of her universe, dictating her moods and consuming her thoughts, now shares space with something infinitely more important. She recounted forgetting about an upcoming match the night before, a stark contrast to her previous mindset. This separation between her professional life and her personal fulfillment feels “really healthy,” she noted.
This changed outlook might be contributing to her success. With less existential weight attached to each match outcome, she can perhaps play with more freedom and joy. Winning the Abu Dhabi title and carrying Bella onto the court for photos was not just a professional triumph, but a deeply personal, shared moment – something far more meaningful than a ranking point or a paycheck alone.
Belinda Bencic`s run at Wimbledon 2025 is more than just a sporting story; it`s a powerful illustration of navigating immense personal change while striving for peak professional performance. It highlights the logistical and emotional challenges faced by mothers in elite sports, but more importantly, it showcases the strength, support, and altered perspective that can make such comebacks not just possible, but truly extraordinary.
Marcus Bellamy