Rybakina to defend title at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

Reigning champion Elena Rybakina will defend her title at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, taking place from February 1-8 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.

The powerful Kazakh, 25, faces tough competition from a strong line-up, including last year’s finalist, Daria Kasatkina, and 2023 champion, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.

Rybakina, currently ranked sixth in the world, 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.

However, in the latter half of the year a combination of illness (bronchitis) and a back injury scuppered her hopes of finishing 2024 on the same high as she started it.

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.

Tournament Director Nigel Gupta expressed his excitement about the line-up, saying: “We’re thrilled to welcome back Elena Rybakina, Daria Kasatkina, and Belinda Bencic to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open among many other top players.

“Elena’s incredible performance last year set a new benchmark, and we’re looking forward to seeing her defend her title against another strong field of world-class players in Abu Dhabi. This tournament continues to grow in stature, and 2025 promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet.”

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.

Former World number 2, Paula Badosa of Spain, is also in the field while Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, a semi-finalist in the last two editions of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, makes her return for another pitch at the prestigious title.