Bencic Surprises Ostapenko in Australian Open Return
Belinda Bencic delivered a thrilling performance to defeat Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-6(6) in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open, marking her first Grand Slam victory since returning from maternity leave. This win was an emotional one for Bencic, who gave birth to her daughter, Bella, in April 2024, and made her return to competitive tennis just months ago. The victory was also her first over a Top 30 player since her win against Petra Kvitova in Montreal in 2023.
Bencic, a former Olympic gold medalist, has been fighting her way back into the WTA Tour since resuming action in late 2024. She faced a formidable opponent in Ostapenko, the 16th seed at this year’s Australian Open, who has had her share of success on the tour but has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Despite a great deal of effort from the Latvian, who managed to save five match points in a nail-biting second set, it was Bencic who held her composure and emerged victorious. The second set, in particular, was a tense affair, with Ostapenko saving numerous match points before Bencic finally sealed the win after saving two set points herself in the tiebreak.
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The match had moments of brilliance from Bencic, including a backhand winner down the line that left the crowd in awe. It reminded tennis fans of her signature playing style, one that helped her reach the top ranks before her hiatus. This victory is significant, not just because of the timing—coming on the heels of her maternity leave—but also because of the emotional and physical challenges Bencic has faced in her comeback. The 27-year-old Swiss player’s victory is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed on the biggest stages once again.
Ostapenko, while showing flashes of brilliance, particularly in her aggressive play, will need to regroup after this early exit. The Latvian had hoped for a strong Australian Open run to kickstart her year, but it was Bencic’s sharp form that ultimately prevailed. Their head-to-head record now stands at 2-1 in Bencic’s favor, with both of her victories over Ostapenko coming at this prestigious event.
Bencic’s win marks a new chapter in her career after the birth of her daughter, and it signals her potential to climb back up the rankings and compete at the highest levels of the sport. Although she currently sits at No. 294 in the world, her performance in Melbourne proves that she is more than capable of competing with the elite. For Ostapenko, this loss will be a tough one to swallow, but it could serve as a catalyst for improvement as the year progresses.
The 2025 Australian Open has already been filled with surprises, and Bencic’s comeback story adds another layer of excitement to the mix. As the tournament progresses, Bencic will look to continue her run and prove that, even after a long break, she is still a force to be reckoned with.
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