In a heartwarming turn of events, 2013 Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki has officially joined the exclusive club of tennis moms. The 34-year-old German recently shared the joyous news of the birth of her first child, a daughter named Bella.
The announcement of Bella’s arrival was made by Lisicki herself through a heartfelt Instagram post on September 8. In the post, which featured a tender moment with her fiancé cradling the newborn baby, Lisicki expressed her overwhelming happiness and love, stating, “Our hearts are filled with love and happiness as we are humbled to welcome Bella to our world.”
Interestingly, Lisicki is not the only WTA player to name her daughter Bella this year. Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic also welcomed a daughter with the same name in April, adding a unique connection between the two players.
Joining the ranks of tennis moms in 2024, Lisicki follows in the footsteps of Petra Kvitova and Alison Riske-Amritraj, who both became mothers earlier in the year. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, welcomed her son Petr just days before Riske-Amritraj gave birth to her daughter Calen.
Messages of congratulations and well wishes poured in from current and former WTA peers such as Timea Babos, Ashlyn Krueger, Magdalena Frech, Eva Lys, and Shelby Rogers, highlighting the close-knit community within women’s tennis.
Despite facing numerous injury setbacks throughout her career, including a torn ACL, ankle injuries, a shoulder problem, and mononucleosis, Lisicki remained resilient and determined. The former world No. 12 had promised fans “one more comeback” when she announced her pregnancy in March, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the sport.
In a poignant reminder of her fighting spirit, Lisicki secured her first title in nine years at the ITF W60 event in Calgary, Canada in 2023. Turning 35 next week, the German tennis star continues to inspire with her perseverance and passion for the game, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the court.
As Lisicki embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, her impact in the tennis world remains undeniable. With her recent milestone as a mom, she adds another layer to her already remarkable journey, proving that motherhood is not a hindrance but a source of strength and motivation for success.