Love All: Belinda Bencic on Tennis, Motherhood & Comeback Goals
Apr 3, 2025
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Belinda Bencic, an Olympic gold medalist and new mom, shares her inspiring journey of balancing motherhood with being a top tennis athlete. She discusses her emotional return to the sport after pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment. Belinda candidly reflects on the challenges of injury recovery, setting personal goals, and navigating life on tour. The conversation also highlights the evolving dynamics of motherhood in tennis, celebrating the growing presence of female athletes who successfully manage both careers and family.
Belinda Bencic discusses the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with her career as a professional tennis player.
The evolving landscape of women's tennis is highlighted, showcasing how many mothers are now competing on tour and receiving necessary support.
Belinda emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey rather than setting public goals, reflecting her mature approach to competition.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Podcast and Theme
The podcast introduces the hosts, Sophie and Ryan, who express excitement about launching a series dedicated to sharing women's stories and experiences in tennis and beyond. They emphasize the relevance of tennis culture and its lessons, even for those who may not be avid fans of the sport. The conversation promises to blend personal stories with cultural insights, aiming to create a relatable and enjoyable listening experience. The announcement of their first guest, Belinda Bencic, sets the stage for an engaging discussion on her journey as a professional athlete.
Belinda Bencic's Tournament Experience
Belinda shares her thoughts about returning to Charleston, a tournament where she previously triumphed. She discusses the transition from hard courts to green clay, asserting that this particular surface provides a smoother shift for her. Belinda's affection for Charleston as her favorite tournament is evident, as she explains how the conditions and surface shape her performance positively. She feels that the adjustment to clay is less daunting for her, illustrating her dedication to competing at a high level despite the surface changes.
Balancing Family and Professional Life
Belinda opens up about her multifaceted support system, which includes her husband, parents, and coach, all of whom play significant roles in her journey as a mother and professional athlete. She reflects on the unique dynamics of traveling with her young daughter, sharing how they adapt training schedules to accommodate her needs. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother and an athlete, Belinda emphasizes the importance of having family close by during tournaments. This blend of personal and professional life showcases the complexities athletes navigate off the court.
The Evolution of Female Athletes in Tennis
The discussion highlights a significant shift in the landscape of women's tennis, with Belinda noting that up to 20 mothers are now active on the tour. This reflects a broader trend of female athletes balancing family life while pursuing competitive careers. Belinda mentions the support from the WTA regarding maternity benefits, allowing players to maintain their professional aspirations. This evolving narrative not only empowers current players but also encourages younger generations to envision a future where careers and motherhood can coexist.
Mindset and Future Aspirations
Belinda discusses her approach to setting goals, explaining that she prefers to keep her aspirations private to avoid added pressure. She highlights the importance of enjoying the process rather than making grand proclamations about her objectives. As she looks ahead to upcoming tournaments, Belinda expresses a desire to remain competitive while also prioritizing her family. This mindset reflects a level of maturity and understanding of the transient nature of athletics, embracing both challenges and opportunities that come her way.
In the debut episode of the Love All podcast, Kim Clijsters and Sophie dive into a candid and inspiring conversation with Olympic gold medalist and new mom Belinda Bencic. Belinda opens up about life on tour post-motherhood, her training and recovery journey, and how she balances being a top athlete with raising her daughter. From navigating the clay court season to returning stronger after pregnancy, Belinda shares her mindset, rituals, and goals for the 2025 season. Kim and Sophie also reflect on how tennis can shape values like resilience, adaptability, and discipline both on and off the court.