Bencic & Svitolina’s WTA history: First mothers in top 10 at same time

Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina have made history by becoming the first mothers to be simultaneously ranked inside the world’s top 10.

Bencic, 28, gave birth to her daughter Bella in April 2024 and the Swiss player has moved up one place to ninth in the latest WTA ranking following an 11-month maternity break.

Svitolina, 31, whose daughter Skai was born in October 2022, has moved up two places to 10th as a result of the Ukrainian reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month.

New mothers returning to the tour are able to use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period from the birth of their child.

Bencic said competing again at the highest level after maternity leave is something she «incredibly proud of».

«Very few people know or have experienced how difficult that journey is, but my family, my team and I have put all of our energy, work and dedication into it to accomplish this goal,» the former Olympic champion said.

Svitolina, who has won 19 singles tour titles and reached a career-high ranking of third in 2018, said it means so much to her to return to the top 10 as a mother.

«I’m proud of my fight and resilience, and I can’t thank the fans enough for their incredible support,» added Svitolina, who is married to French player Gael Monfils.

Last summer, the WTA added a new rule so female players who wish to freeze eggs or embryos, in order that they can start a family at a later date, will also have their ranking protected by the tour.

In the men’s ATP rankings, Novak Djokovic replaces Alexander Zverev at number three following the Serb’s appearance in the final in Melbourne.

Djokovic, 38, was aiming to win a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title on Sunday, but was beaten in four sets by Carlos Alcaraz.

The Spaniard, meanwhile, stays at number one after becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at the age of 22 with his seventh major title.

German Zverev, who was defeated by Alcaraz in the last four, drops to fourth, while Italian Jannik Sinner remains second after his semi-final loss against Djokovic.