From rank 1,213 to 10: Is Belinda Bencic’s 900-place jump the greatest comeback ever?
Just 15 months ago, Belinda Bencic was unranked and beginning a daunting climb back to the summit of professional tennis following the birth of her daughter, Bella. On Monday, that climb reached a historic milestone as the 28-year-old Swiss star officially re-entered the WTA Top 10, signalling a warning to the field ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.
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Bencic’s return to the elite bracket; moving from No. 11 to No. 10 in the latest PIF WTA Rankings, makes her the first woman to enter the Top 10 after giving birth since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2019.
United Cup masterclass: "Living in Belinda’s world"
The catalyst for Bencic’s Top 10 return was a clinical performance at the season-opening United Cup. Named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Bencic went a perfect 5-0 in singles, headlined by a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 comeback victory over World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and a straight-sets win over No. 7 Jasmine Paolini.
Bencic finished the tournament with a 9-1 overall record across singles and mixed doubles, carrying Switzerland to the final. Her dominance prompted teammate Stan Wawrinka to admit the Swiss side was simply "living in Belinda’s world."
“Of course, it’s a big confidence booster,” Bencic said. “To come back and prove this to myself, that it’s possible, it’s been a huge ride. I’m super happy to be in the top 10 now.”
The 900-place ascent: By the numbers
Bencic’s trajectory over the last 15 months is statistically unprecedented in the modern era. After returning from an 11-month maternity break in October 2024, her ranking had plummeted to 1,213th.
Bencic's 2025 season was defined by consistency, including a deep run to the Wimbledon semi-finals; ended by eventual champion Swiatek, and titles in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo. She enters 2026 having won her first nine matches of the season across all formats.
Motherhood and the "Dark Horse" label
Despite her status as a former Olympic Gold medalist and a former World No. 4, Bencic has never progressed past the fourth round at the Australian Open. However, her current form has analysts labeling her the "dark horse" for the title in Melbourne, alongside favorites Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
Bencic has been vocal about how motherhood has shifted her perspective, perhaps easing the on-court pressure that often hampers top-tier players.
“I see myself as a mum first, and then a tennis player,” Bencic remarked. “My priorities are clearly with my family.”
Australian Open 2026
With the year's first Grand Slam beginning on January 18, Bencic’s clinical display from the baseline and improved serve under pressure make her a tactical nightmare for the seeds. Having already dispatched two Top 10 opponents in the first week of January, the Swiss star is no longer just a comeback story, but a legitimate contender for the trophy.
