There are so many interesting profiles in the WTA that we sometimes forget about those who are no longer around. Or, more accurately, those who have temporarily stepped away from the tour. One of the most familiar faces we miss is that of Belinda Bencic, who played her last professional tournament in early September 2023, specifically in San Diego. And what happened next? She got pregnant and is now happily living with her husband and their little Bella. But of course, at just 27 years old, it’s time to pack her bags again and return to competition. What you can’t imagine is where.

Being one of the most loyal players in team competitions on the circuit – with two Olympic medals and a BJKC shining on her resume – it was natural for Belinda to focus precisely on the Billie Jean King Cup in November, although this time it will be to compete in the playoffs granting access to the World Group, where Switzerland, as the top seed, will host Serbia in Biel. But before that, the Flawil native will surprise the world by returning to play in an ITF tournament. This is what happens when you lose all your WTA ranking points.

“I am extremely excited to compete again and do it in Hamburg, I can only be grateful to the organization for granting me this wildcard,” comments Bencic in WTA about the W75 event where we will see her starting on October 28. “I think the timing of my return fits perfectly with my short-term plans; my goal this season was to be ready for the Billie Jean King Cup in November, where we will play in Biel against Serbia. So, I am happy to have the opportunity to test my level at a tournament like Hamburg before this event,” states the former world number 4, who will have to start building her way up again, although she will have a protected ranking and various invitations.

SECOND STAGE OF HER CAREER

After winning eight individual titles, reaching the semifinals at the US Open 2019, and shining at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, perhaps some may think that the best of the Swiss player is now in the past. Knowing her competitive spirit, I have no doubt they are mistaken. I also believe that her comeback path won’t be easy, especially after a year completely out and the challenge of becoming a mother. Adding the difficulty of balancing both ‘jobs’, it will be interesting to closely follow Belinda throughout 2025 to see how much she desires to return among the best.

“I haven’t fully recovered my form yet, I am not at the pinnacle of my tennis, but I feel good and ready to compete. I want to test myself in a competitive environment to pinpoint the aspects we need to work on in the coming months and start the 2025 season in the best possible way,” points out the Swiss, who is already feeling the excitement of being close to a tournament. “Of course, we also need to test how we can manage all the logistics ahead of us in balancing my sports career with the new family life with Bella,” recalls Bencic, who is not willing to be separated from her daughter for even a single week.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vuelve Belinda Bencic