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 go away.
The Swiss former world No. 4, who’s now exterior the highest 150, gave delivery 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 most important 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 Abu Dhabi in February 2023 and the 27-year-old Tokyo Olympics gold medalist has a 9-0 file on the occasion.
“It was an enormous dream for me to return again and play in entrance of [Bella] and to win the match,” Bencic stated.
“That is the primary match 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.