"Definitely felt like that was really bitter": Belinda Bencic laments early Australian Open loss, discusses overuse of mums in tennis storyline

Belinda Bencic has had an astonishing 12 months and she returns to the Abu Dhabi Open beginning her campaign on Wednesday against Sonay Kartal a year removed from winning the title.

Bencic gave birth in April 2024 and played small tournaments albeit she really made a splash just under a year later as she was back on court winning titles and playing better than pre mum Bencic.

Going from World No.421, she reached the top 10 a year later in what was astonishing feat but it is still all business as she returns to Abu Dhabi with no time for wild celebrations.

“I think just a small celebration with myself inside,” the 28-year-old told The National.

“I don't think we had a big celebration. Of course, after the United Cup was nice. But then, of course, you go right away to Melbourne [for the Australian Open] and you have to prepare there and just be with your mind focused on that. Not yet, but of course, it means a lot. Even though it's just a number, it's something that you dream of. And I think it's my third time now coming back to top 10. So, yeah, I've done it a couple of times, but every time it feels very nice.”

Bencic made an incredible start to the 2026 season going undefeated in singles at the United Cup in Switzerland with five wins including two against top 10 opposition. Her form saw her become a serious contender at the Australian Open but her run was cut short by Nikola Bartunkova in the second round.

“To be completely honest, it took more days than usual to get over the loss,” added Bencic. "I definitely felt like that was really bitter. I felt really good coming from the United Cup and starting also in the Australian Open. And, of course, like maybe everyone else, I had my hopes up as well. And I just found my opponent just played incredibly well and she completely deserved to win.

“It's unfortunate it happened in a Grand Slam. But, I mean, on we go. I think you have to have this short memory in tennis and just go to the next tournament and do better.”

Bencic now returns to Abu Dhabi and said that she has new goals but also keeps the steady mindset that got her to the place she is now.

“I'm super excited to be here again. This is a tournament I genuinely really love and, of course, to have such good memories from last year, it's just really nice to come back here and kind of see, you know, how fast the year has gone by. I feel like I was here a week ago and now, yeah, I'm excited to start a tournament.”

“It's natural that your expectations become bigger. But it's only better you kind of go with the flow and have the same mindset that brought you where you are. And that's what I'm working on. Of course, it's not easy. You sometimes feel like you should always compare yourself to the best. But sometimes you just have to play and kind of win with what you have on that day. So I'm working on that mental aspect and trying to have the same mindset.”

She was also queried by The National about the rise of supermum headlines with both herself and Elina Svitolina flying the flag and she gets both sides.

“I think it's both, you know,” said Bencic. “In a way, yes, it should be celebrated because I think it's something that's coming more and more that [women are] starting to achieve incredible things after giving birth, which is really amazing.

“But then at some point on the court, you feel like, OK, when I step on the court, I don't care if I'm a mother, wife, daughter … you can have any circumstances or any private situations and you still have to perform on the court.

“I don't care what my opponent is doing in her private life. So, in a way, yeah, on the court, I just focus on being a tennis player and an athlete. But then, of course, if you go outside of the court and you think, ‘Wow, in one year, she came back to the top 10’, I think that is amazing and should be talked about.

“So, it's a little bit of both. But most importantly, it's what I am focusing on when I'm on the court.”