Belinda Bencic's impressive comeback win against world No. 5 Elena Rybakina at the Abu Dhabi Open secures her place in her first tour-level final since returning from maternity leave.
Belinda Bencic secured her place in her first tour-level final since returning to professional tennis after maternity leave with a remarkable comeback victory against world No. 5 Elena Rybakina at the Abu Dhabi Open on Friday. The Swiss former Olympic champion, who welcomed her first child, Bella, in April 2024, returned to the tour six months later after a 13-month hiatus.
Bencic's 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Rybakina marked her first top-five victory since becoming a mother and set up a final showdown against American Ashlyn Krueger. \'I'm so happy this is happening, for sure. I worked really hard to come back,' said Bencic, who previously won the Abu Dhabi title in 2023. The encounter between the tournament's last two champions, 2024 winner and top seed Rybakina, and Bencic began with Rybakina taking an early lead, breaking in the sixth game to secure the first set in 41 minutes. Bencic responded immediately, creating a 3-0 gap early in the second set and holding onto her advantage to force a deciding third set. \ The opening three games of the final set saw both players trading holds, but it was Bencic who ultimately gained control, forging ahead 5-2 with a double-break lead. Rybakina managed to save two match points and broke Bencic as she was serving for the victory, but the Swiss player remained composed, securing the win on her fourth match point two games later. Ranked 1,213 in the world just four months ago, Bencic is now assured of a return to the top 100 upon the conclusion of the tournament. Earlier in the day, Krueger advanced to the biggest final of her career with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 victory over Linda Noskova and attributed her mental strength for her impressive week in Abu Dhabi.
BELINDA BENCIC ELENA RYBAKINA ABU DHABI OPEN TENNIS COMEBACK VICTORY
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