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Bencic wins first WTA title since becoming mother

Switzerland's Belinda Bencic celebrated with baby daughter Bella in her arms after beating American Ashlyn Krueger in the Abu Dhabi Open final to claim a ninth WTA title and first since becoming a mother.

The former Olympic champion, 27, battled back from a set down to overcome 20-year-old Krueger 4-6 6-1 6-1.

Bencic's victory came just 10 months after the arrival of her first child and less than four months since her return from more than a year out on maternity leave.

"It's been a while," she said, greeting an appreciative crowd at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.