Belinda Bencic shares a bit surprising post-pregnancy comeback date

09/17/2024 06:53 PM

Belinda Bencic won't miss the entire 2024 season after all as the Swiss tennis star reveals she is targeting to launch her post-pregnancy comeback in November during the Billie Jean King Cup weekend. 

Last November, the 2019 US Open semifinalist announced that she was pregnant with her first child. And in April, the 27-year-old became a mother after welcoming a baby girl. 

When Bencic shared the pregnancy news, the expectation was that she would not play again until the 2025 season. But so far, her preparations have been going well and she would like to get some action ahead of the next season.

“It was clear that I would come back after that. I’m 27, I feel good, I still have a few good years ahead of me on the tour. I’m very happy with the way we’re doing things. The goal for coming back is still the Billie Jean King Cup in November. Playing tennis is like riding a bike, you don’t forget it. But I have to get even fitter. I’m also still breastfeeding. You have to take that into account. Martin is adapting my fitness plan accordingly. My body feels good," the former world No. 4 said.

Without the nine-time WTA champion, Switzerland got hammered by the Iga Swiatek-led Poland 4-0 in the BJK Cup qualifiers in April. 

And after failing to qualify for the Finals event, Switzerland will battle Serbia in a playoff time between November 15-16 that will determine which of those two nations stays on the main stage in 2025.

While Bencic has been the face of Swiss women's tennis for years now, she hasn't played since last year's September and it probably wouldn't be reasonable to expect her to lead her nation against Serbia

However, just getting some action and getting through a match or two would certainly be a success for the former world No. 4.