Belinda Bencic reveals becoming a mother changed her perspective as she has realized that tennis is “not the most important thing” in life and now feels feels pressure than before.
In 2023 November, the 2019 US Open semifinalist announced she was pregnant. Seven months later, the 26-year-old gave birth to a baby girl Bella.
Since the former world No. 4 basically welcomed her first child in the middle of the 2024 season, no one really expected her to play again until 2025.
But Bencic managed to return in late October – take part in three tournaments – and even finish as runner-up in the final of the WTA 125 tournament in Angers.
Now, the Swiss is representing her nation at the United Cup, where she beat France’s Chloe Paquet 6-3 6-1 before she and Dominic Stricker also ousted Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in mixed doubles 6-1 7-6 (4).
“I didn’t expect to be back so early. I have huge respect to all the moms. What women go through, the body change is amazing,” the 27-year-old said.
Bencic: Now it’s just not the most important thing
“That’s what I’m here to find out. In the matches I played already think I was much calmer. I didn’t feel so much pressure I put on myself. Before tennis was all my life. I put so much pressure. Now it’s just not the most important thing. My priority is my family. I can leave a bad day at the office, on the tennis court behind. That’s something that’s changed,” she added.
Belinda Bencic© Open Angers/Instagram – Fair Use
Over the years, Bencic underlined numerous times that her ultimate goal was to become a Grand Slam champion.
Now that she is feeling less pressure, the Swiss tennis star may be more relaxed going into Slams and it positively impacts her performance and results.
Tennis World USA