A new era is unfolding in women’s tennis as more elite players return to the WTA Tour after motherhood and continue to compete at the highest level. Once considered a career-ending milestone, having children is now becoming part of the journey for some of the sport’s biggest names.
Naomi Osaka is among the most high-profile examples. The former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion returned to competition in 2024 after the birth of her daughter Shai in 2023. Her comeback has already produced strong results, including runner-up finishes in Auckland and Montreal. Osaka has also spoken about how motherhood has reshaped her mindset, saying she often hears her daughter cheering her on during practice, which adds motivation to her return.
Elina Svitolina has also made a powerful comeback after giving birth to her daughter Skai in 2022. She returned to the tour in 2023 and quickly won a title in Strasbourg, followed by another triumph in Auckland in 2024. Svitolina has described motherhood as a source of motivation, saying she now plays not only for herself but to inspire her daughter.
In doubles, Taylor Townsend has achieved one of the most remarkable milestones. After becoming a mother in 2021, she climbed to world No. 1 in doubles, becoming the first mother in women’s tennis history to reach that ranking. She has since added major titles, including Wimbledon 2024 and the Australian Open 2025 in doubles, along with strong singles results, including a WTA final in Austin. Townsend has said returning with trophies shows that balancing motherhood and elite sport is possible.
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki has also navigated multiple comebacks after starting a family. She returned to competition in 2023 following her initial retirement, having welcomed two children with her husband before later stepping away again after the birth of her third child in 2025. Wozniacki has been open about the emotional balance between family life and competition, including the challenges of “mom guilt” while still pursuing victory.
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Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion, returned briefly in 2024 after the birth of her daughter in 2023 before later welcoming her second child and stepping away from professional tennis. She has described motherhood as her top priority, marking a transition toward life beyond the tour.
Beyond individual success stories, Victoria Azarenka has played a key role in changing the landscape for tennis mothers. After returning to the tour following the birth of her son in 2016, she became a leading voice for improved maternity protections. Her advocacy helped the WTA introduce more comprehensive support, including maternity leave and family planning assistance for players.
More recently, Belinda Bencic made headlines by returning to the WTA Top 10 in 2026 after giving birth to her daughter. Her achievement places her alongside Svitolina as one of the few mothers currently ranked among the sport’s elite, highlighting the growing competitiveness of returning players.
Together, these athletes are reshaping expectations in professional tennis. Their comebacks are not only competitive successes but also a broader shift in how the sport supports and views motherhood at the highest level.
