Belinda Bencic set for landmark rankings rise as stunning return continues

Belinda Bencic’s stunning comeback shows no signs of slowing down, with the Swiss star now poised for a landmark jump in the WTA Rankings as she continues her impressive return from maternity leave.

A Battle-Tested Performance

In a thrilling Round of 16 clash at Indian Wells, the 28‑year‑old Bencic rallied from a set down to defeat world No. 3 Coco Gauff 3–6, 6–3, 6–4. The win not only marked a major turnaround for the former world No. 4 but also set her up for a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against fifth seed Madison Keys. Bencic, who had previously lost to Gauff at the Australian Open earlier this year, showed renewed determination and physical resilience on Wednesday, proving that her game is evolving with every match.

Returning Stronger Than Ever

Since welcoming her daughter Bella in April 2024, Bencic’s journey back onto the court has been nothing short of inspirational. After making her comeback at an ITF event in Hamburg last October, she quickly regained momentum—reaching the second week of the Australian Open and clinching her ninth WTA title in Abu Dhabi in February. Now, ranked 58th in the world, she is projected to jump 13 spots to world No. 45 in the WTA Live Rankings, with further victories potentially pushing her even higher.

Post-match, Bencic emphasized the hard work she’s put in on the physical side:
“I worked really hard to come back from maternity leave. I feel like in my recent matches my body is holding up much better – almost like it was before. It was a challenging road, but every match makes me feel fresher.”

Her relentless work ethic and commitment to improving her fitness have clearly paid off, allowing her to extend her comeback and challenge top players once again.

A Wildcard Milestone

At Indian Wells, Bencic also joined an elite group of wildcards who have reached the last eight of the tournament—a feat achieved previously by legends such as Martina Hingis and Serena Williams. Her ability to overcome a set deficit against a formidable opponent like Coco Gauff underscores her readiness to compete at the highest level as she aims to climb back into the top 50, and potentially further into the top 40 or even top 25 should she continue her winning run.

With her next challenge looming against Madison Keys, Bencic’s next match could be the catalyst for another dramatic leap in the rankings. A victory over Keys would not only reinforce her comeback but also position her among the elite of women’s tennis once more. As tennis legend Boris Becker recently remarked on social media, “BB is an incredible player …could have told ya before!” – a nod to her undeniable talent and the progress she’s made since her return.

For now, Belinda Bencic’s focus remains on taking each match as it comes, continuing to build her confidence and fitness as she works her way back up the rankings. Her journey is a testament to resilience and serves as an inspiration for players and fans alike.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the Swiss star to see if she can keep her momentum and secure another major win—a victory that might just be the key to unlocking a new chapter in her storied career.