Bencic, MVP of United Cup, Becomes Third Mom to Crack Top 10

Despite losing in deciding mixed doubles on Sunday at the United Cup, Belinda Bencic was named the MVP of the event after an impressive week that saw her go 5-0 in singles and 9-1 overall. She also pushed up the rankings and makes her long awaited return to the Top 10.

That means that Bencic becomes the third mom in WTA history to own a Top 10 ranking, along with Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. The former world No.4 gave birth to her daughter Bella in April of 2024 and returned to tennis later that year. In 2025 she made a beeline for the Top 20 and finished the season at No.11 (after ending 2024 at No.913!).

28-year-old Bencic continues to be an inspiration on tour, and Team Switzerland captain Stan Wawrinka, who famously wore a “Belinda’s World” t-shirt on the bench during the competition, gave her big praise after the United Cup.

“More than MVP, she’s been leading this team since day one. She’s been amazing on the court and also off the court,” the three-time major champion said. “We all would like to thank you, Belinda, for everything you’re doing to help us being a better tennis player and outside. I know how difficult it is, but you show us again today what a big champion you are. Thank you very much.”

Kostyuk Returns to Top 20

After earning three Top-10 wins in Brisbane, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was the biggest mover inside the WTA’s Top 20 this week. She climbs six spots to No.20, which is just four spots shy of her career high.

China’s Wang Xinyu, the Auckland runner-up, is the biggest mover in the Top-50, jumping 14 spots to No.43. Auckland semifinalists Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala also are on the rise. 18-year-old Jovic makes her Top 30 debut (+5 from 35 to 30) while Eala returns to the Top-50 (+4 from 53 to 49).

Aryna Sabalenka, champion at Brisbane, remains at No.1, well over 2500 points clear of No.2 Iga Swiatek. She is into her 65th consecutive week atop the WTA’s rankings, the 14th-longest streak all-time.