Intro: Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina become first mothers together inside WTA top 10
Melbourne
Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina have created a landmark moment in women’s tennis by becoming the first mothers to be ranked inside the WTA top 10 at the same time, a milestone hailed as a breakthrough for the sport.
Switzerland’s Bencic returned to the elite bracket in January for the first time since stepping away from competition in September 2023 to give birth to her daughter, Bella. In the latest rankings released on Monday, she was joined by Ukraine’s Svitolina, who climbed into the top 10 following her impressive run to the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Svitolina, the mother of daughter Skai, sealed her return to the upper echelon with a string of strong performances in Melbourne, underlining her successful comeback after maternity leave. The achievement of the two players together marks an unprecedented moment in WTA history.
“Two mothers ranked inside the WTA’s Top 10 rankings for the first time is an incredible moment for tennis and for women’s sport,” said WTA chief executive Portia Archer. She added that the milestone reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring women can balance elite sport and motherhood without sacrificing either.
The WTA’s Family Focus Program has played a key role in enabling such comebacks. The initiative offers ranking protection during pregnancy, postpartum support, assistance with returning to competition, and paid maternity leave, allowing players to resume their careers with greater security.
Bencic, currently ranked ninth, said her return to the top tier was deeply personal. “Coming back to the Top 10 one year after returning from maternity leave is something I am incredibly proud of,” she said, describing the journey as physically and mentally demanding.
World number 10 Svitolina echoed those sentiments. “It’s a dream to return to the WTA Top 10. Doing it as a mother means so much to me,” she said.
At the top of the rankings, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek remain first and second respectively, while Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina climbed to third, rounding out another reshuffle at the summit of women’s tennis.
