Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic is thriving both on and off the court. While she recently celebrated a triumphant return to the WTA Tour by winning the Abu Dhabi Open, her 10-month-old daughter, Bella, is stealing hearts—albeit cautiously.
During a recent vlog on Daria Kasatkina’s YouTube channel “What the Vlog,” the Russian player shared her experience of meeting Bella, revealing how difficult it was to make the toddler laugh.
“I saw Bella the other day, my God, she’s like—like it’s tough to make her laugh, but she’s so cute,”
Kasatkina said.
Bencic, known for her sharp sense of humor, didn’t hesitate to chime in with an amusing observation about her daughter’s personality.
“She’s very skeptical. At first, she just checks you out. She judges you, silently,”
the Swiss star quipped.
It seems baby Bella has already developed a discerning eye, making it clear that gaining her trust takes effort—even if you’re a world-class tennis player like Kasatkina!
A Mother’s Journey Back to the Court
Bencic stepped away from the WTA Tour in September 2023 to embrace a new chapter in her life. In November 2023, she announced her pregnancy, and by April 2024, she and her longtime partner, Martin Hromkovic, welcomed Bella into the world.
Her return to the tour has been nothing short of remarkable. She eased back into competition through smaller events, even playing a key role in Switzerland’s Billie Jean King Cup victory over Serbia in November. However, her 2025 season has already solidified her comeback with a major milestone—winning her first title as a mother.
Emotional Victory at the Abu Dhabi Open
Bencic’s last title before her pregnancy hiatus came in Abu Dhabi in 2023. Fittingly, she made her grand return by reclaiming the title at the same tournament in 2025.
Her road to the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open crown was dominant, including a 6-0, 6-0 “double bagel” victory in the second round and an impressive semifinal win over top-seeded Elena Rybakina. She clinched the title by defeating Ashlyn Krueger in the final.
However, what made the moment even more special was the presence of her husband Martin Hromkovic and baby Bella courtside. The sight of her family watching her lift the trophy brought out raw emotions from the Swiss star.
“I am super happy to be back here in Abu Dhabi. I didn’t imagine this. I am also getting a little bit emotional.”
Reflecting on her hard-fought journey back to professional tennis, she added:
“I was working really hard to even play, coming back. So to also win a title in front of my family, it’s really special. To my husband and my daughter Bella, I love you so much. It was a big dream for me to come back and play in front of her and to win a tournament.”
A New Chapter for Bencic
Bencic’s comeback is not just about winning trophies—it’s about proving resilience, embracing motherhood, and inspiring athletes worldwide. Her journey is a testament to the fact that motherhood doesn’t mean the end of an athlete’s career; in fact, it can mark the beginning of a powerful new era.
As she balances tennis with raising a strong-willed daughter like Bella, fans can expect plenty of memorable moments—both on and off the court. And who knows? Maybe one day, Bella will crack a smile for Kasatkina. Until then, she’ll keep the tennis world on its toes—just like her mom!
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.