Belinda Bencic reaches Wimbledon semifinals after defeating Mirra Andreeva

In the 2025 Wimbledon tournament, held at the All England Club in London, Belinda Bencic from Switzerland achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the semifinals. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as she is among the few mothers to make it to this stage, having returned to the sport after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, in April 2024. On July 9, 2025, Bencic faced off against the unseeded Mirra Andreeva in a tense quarterfinal match, winning in straight sets through tie-breaks, with scores of 7-6(3) and 7-6(2). This win marked her first Wimbledon semifinals appearance and second overall at a Grand Slam event, the previous being at the 2019 U.S. Open. Bencic's journey is marked by resilience, as she came back to the tour in late 2024 after taking maternity leave. She began her return by competing in lower-tier events, gradually building her form, which culminated in her impressive performance at Wimbledon. Her victory against Andreeva is a testament to her skill and determination, particularly given the added responsibilities of motherhood. Bencic’s husband, Martin Hromkovic, not only supports her as a spouse but also serves as her fitness coach, enabling her to navigate professional tennis alongside family obligations. Looking ahead, Bencic's next challenge is a semifinal matchup against the highly-ranked Iga Swiatek, another formidable player and five-time Grand Slam champion. Bencic's performance at Wimbledon is a promising sign for her career, suggesting that her time away from the court due to motherhood may strengthen her focus and mental resilience during important matches. Though she remains cautious about her aspirations, she expresses deep pride in her achievements, especially after becoming a mother, stating, 'I’m very proud.' This tournament has significant implications, as Bencic is currently the first Swiss woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals since the legendary Martina Hingis in 1998. Should she win the tournament, she would be the first mother to take the title since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980. The semi-final ambitions of Bencic not only shine a spotlight on her individual talent but also raise broader conversations around motherhood in professional sports, offering inspiration to many who strive for balance between athletic success and family life.