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Tennis fans in Abu Dhabi are preparing for an exciting evening at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open as defending champion Belinda Bencic and rising star Alex Eala confirmed their participation on the main court. The tournament, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, continues to showcase world-class tennis action with several high-profile matches scheduled for the coming days.
According to official tournament announcements, Olympic champion Bencic will face British qualifier Sonay Kartal, while Filipino sensation Eala takes on Alexandra Sasnovich. Both matches are critical as players compete for quarterfinal spots in this prestigious WTA 500 event.
Bencic Returns to Abu Dhabi Seeking Third Title
The world number nine returns to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open with impressive credentials, having previously lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2025. Bencic’s track record at the venue demonstrates her strong affinity for the UAE capital’s tennis facilities and atmosphere.
The defending champion expressed her emotional connection to the tournament, stating that the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open holds a special place in her career. According to her comments, she has experienced some of her best memories at this event and appreciates the exceptional fan support she receives in Abu Dhabi.
Eala Balances Singles and Doubles Competition
Meanwhile, Alex Eala faces a demanding schedule as she competes in both singles and doubles categories. The Filipino player will first participate in the round of 16 doubles competition alongside Janice Tjen, facing Leylah Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic at the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Court 1.
Additionally, Eala returns to the main court for her singles match, with tournament organizers anticipating strong crowd attendance. Her dual participation highlights the depth of talent competing at this WTA 500 tournament.
Tournament Features Community Initiatives
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open extends beyond professional competition to include several community-focused programs. Tournament organizers have integrated grassroots tennis development with elite-level matches throughout the week.
However, the event also showcases emerging talent through the finals of the “Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open” program for junior categories. This initiative reflects the tournament’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis players in the region.
Wheelchair Tennis Makes Tournament Debut
In contrast to previous editions, this year’s event introduces wheelchair tennis for the first time. The inaugural invitational wheelchair tennis championship, presented by the WTA Foundation, launches on Thursday as part of the tournament’s expanded programming.
This addition demonstrates the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s dedication to inclusive sports and providing opportunities for athletes across different categories. The wheelchair tennis competition represents a significant milestone for adaptive sports in the United Arab Emirates.
WTA 500 Points at Stake in Abu Dhabi
As a WTA 500 category event, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open offers substantial ranking points that can significantly impact players’ positions in the global tennis hierarchy. The tournament attracts top-ranked competitors seeking to strengthen their standings early in the season.
The combination of prize money, ranking points, and the prestige associated with the event makes it a crucial stop on the professional tennis calendar. Players competing this week understand that strong performances in Abu Dhabi can set the tone for their entire season.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues through Saturday, with quarterfinal and semifinal matches expected to draw increasing spectator interest. Tournament officials have not yet announced the complete schedule for the final weekend, though fans anticipate competitive matches as the field narrows toward the championship rounds.
