After an injury hit season she’s back fully fit for new title challenge at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
Reigning champion Elena Rybakina will defend her title at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, taking place from 1-8 February at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, and is back fully fit after missing much of the end of last season through illness and injury.
Rybakina joins star-studded line-up including Daria Kasatkina, who she defeated in last year’s one-sided final, and 2023 champ Belinda Bencic.
Currently ranked sixth in the world, Rybakina continued her impressive record on the WTA Tour in 2024, claiming three WTA Tour titles last year, including Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, the Brisbane International, and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
The 2024 edition of Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open saw Rybakina deliver a masterclass in power and precision, as she swept aside Kasatkina 6-1 6-4 to claim her maiden Abu Dhabi title.
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Also confirmed for Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2025 is world No. 9, Daria Kasatkina, who has set her sights on revenge after last year’s final defeat.
Adding to the excitement is the return of 2023 champion Belinda Bencic, who made her competitive comeback in October last year following a short break from the tour after giving birth.
With her proven track record and fighting spirit, Bencic’s presence promises to add another layer of intensity to the tournament.
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly established itself as a premier event on the women’s tour, attracting the biggest names in tennis and delivering electrifying action for fans.
Rybakina and Kasatkina will be joining a star-studded line-up of 28 leading Tour players, which was bolstered by the confirmation that three-time Grand Slam finalist, Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, will also be in the field following a lengthy lay-off through a shoulder injury. She is likely to win the support of local fans as the Arab world’s firm favourite.
Former World number 2, Paula Badosa of Spain, is also in the field. Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, a semi-finalist in the last two editions of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, returns too for another pitch at the prestigious title.
AED 25. 1-8 February. Zayed Sports City. For further information, visit mubadalaabudhabiopen.com
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