Belinda Bencic, Elina Svitolina rewrite history as first mothers inside WTA top 10 | Tennis News
Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina have etched their names into tennis history, becoming the first mothers to be ranked inside the WTA Tour’s top 10 at the same time — a milestone the governing body has hailed as “an incredible moment for women’s sport”.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Switzerland’s Bencic made her return to the elite bracket in January, breaking back into the top 10 for the first time since stepping away from competition in September 2023 following the birth of her daughter, Bella. In the latest rankings released on Monday, she was joined by Ukraine’s Svitolina, who climbed into the top 10 after a run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Svitolina is the mother of Skai.The landmark moment has also shone a spotlight on the WTA’s Family Focus Program, which in recent years has aimed to make elite tennis more compatible with motherhood. The initiative includes ranking protection during pregnancy, postpartum return-to-play support and paid maternity leave — measures that both Bencic and Svitolina used via the Special Ranking Rule for returning mothers.“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. “It not only highlights the exceptional achievements of Belinda and Elina, but also reaffirms the WTA’s commitment to creating an environment where mothers can continue to compete and succeed at the very highest level.”Ranked ninth, Bencic described her return as deeply personal and hard-earned. “Coming back to the WTA Top 10 one year after returning to competition after maternity leave is something I am incredibly proud of,” she said. “Very few people know how difficult that journey is.”Svitolina, now ranked 10th, 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 retained their positions as world No. 1 and No. 2, while newly crowned Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina climbed two places to No. 3. Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini rounded out the top eight.
