Belinda Bencic reveals planned comeback date after welcoming first child
Belinda Bencic has revealed her plan to return to action at the Billie Jean King Cup this November following the birth of her first child.
Swiss star Bencic last played since the San Diego Open in September 2023, with she and partner Martin Hromkovic welcoming their daughter Bella on April 23rd this year.
When announcing her pregnancy last year, Bencic had stressed her intention to return to action after giving birth.
And, speaking to Swiss press earlier this week, the 27-year-old confirmed that she and Hromkovic – who is also her fitness trainer – were targeting a return as soon as this year.
“It was clear that I would come back after that [her pregnancy],” said Bencic.
“I’m 27, I feel good, I still have a few good years ahead of me on the tour. I’m very happy with the way we’re doing things.
“The goal for coming back is still the Billie Jean King Cup in November. Playing tennis is like riding a bike, you don’t forget it – but I have to get even fitter.
“I’m also still breastfeeding. You have to take that into account. Martin is adapting my fitness plan accordingly. My body feels good.”
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Switzerland are not competing in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, having failed to qualify this season.
However, from November 15-16, they host Serbia in a play-off tie, in which victory would ensure that they have the chance to qualify for the Finals in 2025.
Bencic’s return would make the Swiss one of a growing number of mothers competing on the WTA Tour.
Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Naomi Osaka all returned to tour after becoming parents, with former world No 3 Elina Svitolina and Tatjana Maria among the other high-profile mums on the WTA.
Bencic would become the latest to benefit from recently introduced rules designed to help women return after maternity leave, with players handed protected rankings into 12 tournaments.
Swiss star Bencic reached her career high of world No 4 back in February 2020, a few months after her best-ever Grand Slam run at the US Open, where she reached the semi-finals in 2019.
She is perhaps best remembered for her surprise Olympic triumph at Tokyo 2020, winning eight career WTA singles titles and reaching 18 finals overall.
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