New mother Belinda Bencic makes honest admission about how motherhood has changed her life and tennis career

Belinda Bencic shared her thoughts on the challenges of motherhood and how it has affected her life and tennis career. Her candid comments came during the 2025 United Cup.

Bencic is representing Switzerland at this year’s mixed-gender team event, held across Perth and Sydney. In their match against France, she defeated Chloe Paquet 6-3, 6-1. She then teamed up with countryman Dominic Stricker, along with Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia, to win 6-1, 7-6(4), leading Switzerland to a 2-1 victory.

Winning against Paquet marked the Swiss’ first tour-level victory since making her comeback to tennis after giving birth to her daughter Bella with her husband Martin Hromkovic.

Reflecting on how motherhood has impacted her, Belinda Bencic shared during an on-court interview:

“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. We couldn’t be happier at the moment. We’re parents now. Our lives have changed, but definitely for the better. We’re super excited with Bella. She’s here. We survived the flight to Australia.”

The Tokyo Olympics gold medalist added:

“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.”

"It's a big change, but I think for the better" - Belinda Bencic after returning to tennis being a mother

Belinda Bencic pictured at the 2025 United Cup | Image Source: Getty

During a team press conference at the United Cup, Belinda Bencic once again talked about the changes in her life since becoming a mother. She shared how excited she is to be back on the court, calling it the best time of her life. While motherhood has brought big changes, she’s embraced them, saying it’s all been for the better.

“I'm very excited to be back. It feels like yesterday. It's been really the best time of our life so far, so we're super happy with the new life. It's a big change, but I think for the better,” she said.

“Yeah, I mean, I'm excited to play. I didn't expect, you know, for my return to go this fast. I played some tournaments last season, as well, just, like, lower-category tournaments to get into the rhythm,” she added.

Bencic continued:

“I wouldn't say I'm, like, at my best shape so far yet, but I'm definitely on the way there. And yeah, I'm very, very confident with a lot of match play I can hopefully get into good form.”

Bencic and her team will next take on Italy on December 29, where she’ll face Jasmine Paolini in a singles match. She’ll also team up with Dominic Stricker to go head-to-head against Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in mixed doubles.