BELINDA BENCIC defeated defending champion Elena Rybakina at the Abu Dhabi Open to reach her first WTA Tour final since the birth of her daughter.

Swiss Bencic celebrated the arrival of baby Bella in April before making her comeback at the end of October at a low-level tournament in Hamburg.

The 27-year-old only played her first tour event just over a month ago but has wasted no time getting back up to speed, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.

And she will compete for her first title since lifting the trophy in Abu Dhabi two years ago after beating top seed Rybakina 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Bencic, the 2021 Olympic gold medallist and a former world number four, hit back impressively after losing the opening set to set up a final clash with American Ashlyn Krueger.

“I’m so happy this is happening,” said Bencic in her on-court interview. “I’m excited that the results are coming so fast. I have a long way to go but I’m really happy how it’s working on the court.”