Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Dubai – The latest WTA rankings, released on Monday, saw Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina rise to No. 3, while two players made history as the first mothers to be ranked inside the Top 10 at the same time.
Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina achieved this milestone with the support of the WTA’s Family Focus Programme. Introduced last year, the program helps players balance professional tennis and parenthood, offering ranking protection during pregnancy, paid maternity leave, and post-partum support for returning to competition.
Bencic returned to the Top 10 in January, nearly four months after taking a break from tennis in September 2023 to give birth to her daughter, Bella. Svitolina, mother of Skai, joined the elite group after reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open last week.
“Two mothers in the WTA Top 10 at the same time is an incredible moment for tennis and women’s sport,” said WTA CEO Portia Archer. “This shows the WTA’s commitment to helping mothers continue to compete and succeed at the highest level.”
Bencic, now ranked ninth, said, “Coming back to the Top 10 just a year after maternity leave is something I’m incredibly proud of. Very few know how challenging this journey is, but my family and team helped me achieve this goal.”
Svitolina, ranked tenth, added, “It’s a dream to return to the Top 10. Doing it as a mother makes it even more meaningful. I’m proud of my fight and resilience.”
World number one and two spots remain with Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, followed by Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, and Jasmine Paolini rounding out positions four to eight.
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