From 421st to Top 10, Bencic Sets Sights on Melbourne Glory

Just a year ago, Belinda Bencic was ranked 421st in the world, far removed from the elite levels she once occupied in women’s tennis. After stepping away from the tour for 11 months following the birth of her daughter Bella, the former Olympic champion faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her career from near the bottom of the rankings. Twelve months on, her resurgence has become one of the most compelling comeback stories in the sport.

Bencic’s climb back into the world’s top 10 has been fuelled by consistency, patience and a renewed sense of perspective. A solid 2025 season laid the foundations, allowing her to regain confidence and competitive sharpness. That momentum has carried into the early weeks of 2026, where a series of strong performances has propelled her rapidly up the rankings and back among the game’s elite.

The Swiss player’s return to the top tier is significant not only for its speed but also for its rarity. Bencic is the first woman to re enter the top 10 of the singles rankings after giving birth since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2019, 17 months after welcoming her daughter Olympia. The comparison underlines the scale of Bencic’s achievement in a sport where physical demands and relentless schedules make comebacks especially difficult.

For Bencic, motherhood has reshaped her approach to tennis. She has spoken about feeling mentally freer on court, less burdened by pressure and more appreciative of each match. That balance has translated into composed performances in tight moments, an area that often defines success at the highest level.

Her rise has also been underpinned by a careful management of her schedule. Rather than chasing points aggressively, Bencic focused on steady progress, allowing her body time to adapt after pregnancy. The strategy paid off as her match fitness improved and results followed naturally, culminating in her return to the top 10 early in the 2026 season.

Now, attention turns to Melbourne, where Bencic hopes to convert her resurgence into a major title challenge. The Australian Open has often rewarded players who arrive with confidence and momentum, and Bencic fits that profile perfectly. Her game, built on clean ball striking, tactical intelligence and solid movement, is well suited to the faster hard courts.

As a former Olympic gold medallist, Bencic is no stranger to high pressure environments. That experience, combined with her recent form, has placed her firmly among the contenders. While she remains realistic about the depth of competition, her ambition is clear. A strong showing in Melbourne would further cement one of the most impressive returns in recent tennis history.

Beyond results, Bencic’s journey carries broader significance. Her comeback challenges lingering assumptions about the impact of motherhood on elite athletes and offers inspiration to players balancing professional ambitions with family life. In an era where more athletes are speaking openly about life beyond sport, her success adds to a growing narrative of possibility rather than limitation.

From the depths of the rankings to the top 10 in just a year, Bencic’s rise has been defined by resilience and belief. As the Melbourne spotlight approaches, she is no longer chasing her past achievements, but writing a new chapter that blends sporting excellence with a transformed sense of purpose.