Two Tennis Moms Make History in World's Top 10

Two professional tennis players are rewriting what's possible for mothers in elite sports.

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine have both climbed into the world's top 10 rankings, marking the first time in history that two mothers have held these coveted spots at the same time. Bencic, who gave birth to daughter Bella in April 2024, now sits at ninth after taking just an 11-month maternity break.

Svitolina reached 10th place after her stunning performance at the Australian Open, where she fought her way to the semifinals. Her daughter Skai was born in October 2022, and the Ukrainian player has been steadily rebuilding her career since returning to competition.

The 28-year-old Bencic, a former Olympic champion, called her return to elite competition something she's "incredibly proud of." She acknowledged that very few people understand how difficult the journey back really is, crediting her family and team for helping her achieve this milestone.

Svitolina, who previously reached a career-high ranking of third in 2018, said returning to the top 10 as a mother means everything to her. The 31-year-old, who is married to French tennis player Gael Monfils, thanked fans for their unwavering support through her comeback journey.

The women's tennis tour has made significant changes to support mothers who want to continue their careers. Players returning after childbirth can use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over three years, giving them a fair chance to regain their competitive form.

Last summer, the WTA went even further by protecting the rankings of female players who choose to freeze eggs or embryos. This policy recognizes that family planning decisions shouldn't force athletes to choose between their careers and their personal lives.

Why This Inspires

Both women are proving that motherhood and peak athletic performance aren't mutually exclusive. Their success sends a powerful message to working mothers everywhere that major life transitions don't have to mean abandoning professional ambitions.

By competing at the highest level while raising young children, Bencic and Svitolina are creating a new blueprint for what's achievable. Their journeys show that with the right support systems and determination, mothers can return to their fields stronger than ever.

These two champions aren't just making tennis history—they're opening doors for the next generation of athlete mothers.