Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has made a remarkable comeback in 2025, soaring 63 places in the WTA Rankings after a stunning run at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Ten months after welcoming her first child and only three months into her return to professional tennis, the Swiss tennis star secured a momentous victory over reigning champion Elena Rybakina to reach the final WTA 500 event.
Bencic, a former world #4, displayed immense resilience in her semifinal clash against the world #5 and top seed Rybakina. After dropping the first set 3-6, she fought back to claim a thrilling 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory. The 27-year-old initially held two match points at 5-2 in the final set but had to withstand a spirited comeback from Rybakina before finally sealing the match. The victory secured the 27-year-old’s place in her 19th career final and her second at the Abu Dhabi Open.
Bencic, who won the 2023 Abu Dhabi Open before taking a maternity break, defeated rising American star Ashlyn Krueger in the final 4-6 6-1 6-1. Krueger, just 20 years old, has also made headlines with her impressive run, including victories over top players such as Daria Kasatkina and Leylah Fernandez. She booked her place in the final by overcoming Linda Noskova in a hard-fought 7-6 6-4 battle. Bencic’s title came as she gathered momentum after losing the opening set. It’s her first WTA title since winning Abu Dhabi in 2023.
Bencic’s remarkable resurgence has catapulted her from world #157 to #94 in the WTA live rankings, marking a 63-place jump. If she triumphs in the final, she could climb to as high as 64th. Krueger’s deep run ensures she will enter the WTA Top 40 for the first time, with a potential ranking inside the Top 35 should she claim the title.
Bencic’s victory had ripple effects beyond her ranking. Rybakina’s loss meant she failed to defend the 305 points she gained from her 2024 Abu Dhabi title, causing her to drop to world seventh in the updated WTA Rankings. This shift benefits American star Madison Keys, who will now reach a new career-high of world #6 following her Australian Open triumph whilst Jessica Pegula also moves up a spot to world #5. The latest rankings update will mark a milestone for American tennis. Three U.S. women—Coco Gauff (#3), Pegula and Keys are ranked within the top six.
encic’s journey back to the top has been nothing short of inspirational, and all eyes will be on the Swiss star as she continues her season after the fairy tale title in Abu Dhabi.
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
