Tennis-Bencic wins first WTA title as a mother with daughter watching on

Tennis - WTA 500 - Abu Dhabi Open - International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - February 8, 2025 Switzerland's Belinda Bencic and daughter Bella celebrate with a trophy after winning her final match against Ashlyn Krueger of the U.S. REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

(Reuters) - Belinda Bencic came from behind to beat Ashlyn Krueger 4-6 6-1 6-1 and capture the Abu Dhabi WTA 500 title on Saturday, four months after returning to the circuit from maternity leave.

The Swiss former world number four, who is now outside the top 150, gave birth to her daughter Bella in April last year. She becomes the first mother to claim a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina won in Strasbourg in May 2023.