'Mama Bencic' Returns To Top-10 For The First Time Since 2024 Thanks To Scintillating United Cup

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 14:26 IST

The 28-year-old Swiss star notched up five wins out of five in singles rubber at the United Cup, including triumphs over Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini.

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland celebrates defeting Iga Swiatek of Poland in their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic stormed her way back into the top-10 of the world rankings for the first time since she became a mother, in April 2024, thanks to her winning run at the United Cup, where the 28-year-old notched up five wins out of five, including triumphs over Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini.

Bencic finished the season-opening United Cup with a 9-1 record, her only defeat at the event coming in a mixed-doubles rubber against Poland.

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“Of course, a big confidence booster," the former World No. 4 said.

“You start the year, and you’re just trying to get matches in. Obviously it’s been great playing match after match, but being pushed so much from everyone," the Swiss star said.

“Also super happy to be in the top 10 now. It’s been a huge goal, a huge ride after the whole comeback, to come back and prove this to myself, that it’s possible."

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At the beginning of the 2025 season, Bencic was ranked 421. However, reaching the last 16 at the Australian Open the previous year convinced her that she could return to the top levels of tennis. Winning titles in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo propelled her up the rankings, allowing her to finish the season as world number 11. With this success, she now aims to secure an elusive Grand Slam title.

“I’m always serious about the Australian Open," she said.

“Just super excited to play the first Slam," the 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, who reached a career-high number four in February 2020 said.

News sports tennis 'Mama Bencic' Returns To Top-10 For The First Time Since 2024 Thanks To Scintillating United Cup

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