Tennis

Belinda Bencic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in tennis, has made a remarkable return to the court just two months after giving birth to her first child. The Swiss star shared a video on social media showcasing her gradual comeback, with her daughter Bella adorably wiggling in her stroller in the foreground.Bencic, now 27, announced her pregnancy in November 2023, two months after her last tournament appearance in San Diego. Ranked No. 14 at the time, she had hinted at her desire to return to tennis, inspired by the success of other mothers in the sport.In her recent podcast appearance, Bencic expressed her admiration for fellow tennis moms, stating, "There are a lot of moms in tennis right now who are inspiring me, so I can see that it is possible."Bencic's return to training is a testament to her determination and resilience. The video shows her hitting groundstrokes gingerly from the service line, a sign of her cautious approach as she regains her fitness.Before her pregnancy, Bencic had a successful 2023 season, winning titles in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi and posting a 31-13 win-loss record. Her return to the court has sparked excitement among fans and fellow players, who are eager to see her back in action.Bencic's comeback journey is an inspiration to all athletes, particularly those who are balancing motherhood with their sporting careers. Her determination and positive attitude serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and support.

Tatjana Maria's Daughter Charlotte Maria Embarks on Tournament Journey Without Her No. 1 FanTen-year-old Charlotte Maria, daughter of WTA star Tatjana Maria, is set to make her tournament debut without her biggest supporter in the stands. Her mother, Tatjana, is currently competing in the Mutua Madrid Open, where she recently emerged victorious in a thrilling three-set battle against Peyton Stearns.Despite her absence, Tatjana expressed her excitement for her daughter's tournament participation. "She's super excited to play," she said. "She plays under-12 over there, with all the best little kids from around the world. It's super special and she really enjoys it."Tatjana's victory over Stearns means she will miss Charlotte's first match, but she plans to follow her progress closely through live scores. "I'm pretty nervous already, but she's so excited," said Maria, who has reached a career-high ranking of No. 42 this season.Charlotte Maria, like her mother, possesses a versatile game. "She has a two-handed backhand," Tatjana explained. "She loves volleys and drop shots, and of course, she can play slice. It would be sad if she couldn't!"Tatjana's next challenge will be against another successful WTA mom, Victoria Azarenka, in the second round of the Madrid Open. Meanwhile, Charlotte Maria will strive to make her mark in her first tournament, carrying the legacy of her talented mother.