Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic has announced that she’s become a mother for the first time.
The 27-year-old Swiss champion and her partner Martin Hromkovic, who is also her fitness coach, posted a photograph on their Instagram accounts with the message “Bella, our love” and Tuesday’s date that she was born.
The replies included congratulations from world No.1 women’s player Iga Swiatek, along with Viktorija Golubic, who played doubles with Bencic when the pair earned the silver medal for Switzerland at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
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Bencic also took gold in the singles in Japan, beating Marketa Vondrousova — who went on to win the Wimbledon title in 2023 — in the final.
Bencic has previously said she wants to return to the tour as a mum.
Her ranking has dropped from No.14 to 92 since she announced her pregnancy in November.
The Paris Olympics tennis tournaments start in three months’ time on July 27.
Coaches, high-profile athletes, past greats and fans from around the world were also quick to send messages to the happy couple.
Jelena Dokic was one of many to pass on her congratulations while tennis coach Nikola Horvat said: “Amazing name❤️”
Sprinter Sarah Atcho Jaquier said: “Ohhhh wow. Congratulations! Welcome Bella.”
While Belgian professional tennis star Yanina Wickmayer said: “Welcome to the mom’s club! The best club in the world by far🥰🩷”
In a cheeky post on Bencic’s Insta stories, Mercedes Switzerland said: “Another little star is born and not just any … we warmly welcome your new spark to the family, Belinda.”
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