Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina have created history by becoming the first mothers to be ranked in the WTA Tour’s top 10 at the same time, with the governing body calling it “an incredible moment for women’s sport”.
Switzerland’s Bencic re-entered the top 10 for the first time since September 2023 in January as she was absent from the court after that date throughout her break to have daughter Bella.
On Monday she was joined in the new rankings by Svitolina, mother of young Skai after the Ukrainian made the semifinals at the Australian Open last week.
The WTA has taken steps in the past few years to assist players in keeping their professional careers and starting a family with its Family Focus Program.
That ranges from ranking protection during pregnancy to giving support in the postpartum period with a return-to-play policy and paid maternity leave.
“Two mothers in the top 10 rankings for the first time is a testament to their dedication and hard work, on and off the court,” said WTA chief executive Portia Archer.
“Not only does this showcase the incredible talent of our athletes, it also reflects the transformative journey that The association is on to help support women and men in this place of their lives.”
Bencic and Svitolina were both playing under the Special Ranking Rule for mothers who return.
‘Being back in the WTA top 10 a year after returning from maternity leave is something I am very proud of,’ said Bencic, who was ranked nine.
“Very few people know or have lived the difficulty of that road, but my family, my team and I have taken all of our energy, work and dedication to be able to achieve this dream.”
“It’s a dream come true and I’m so happy to be back in the top 10!”Tenth-ranked Svitolina, now part of both the young old guard as well as its new generation focused hopefuls, added.
“To do that as a mother just means everything to me. I’m proud of my fight and very, very happy with the win.”
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek held onto their positions as world numbers one and two in the rankings, while recently-crowned Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina moved up two places to three.
Amanada Anisimova, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva are ranked four to eight respectively.
History served. Find out how Bencic and Svitolina are reimagining tennis greatness as mothers in the world’s top 10. Don’t forget to subscribe to Sports Monks for all the latest news!