Abu Dhabi: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, set to take place from February 1-8, 2025, at Zayed Sports City, has revealed its strongest-ever line-up, with seven of the top 20 players on the WTA Tour confirmed to compete.
This milestone further solidifies the tournament’s status as one of the most exciting and anticipated events on the global tennis calendar.
Among the star players participating are defending champion Elena Rybakina, world number six from Kazakhstan, and fan-favourite Daria Kasatkina, ranked ninth, who is seeking redemption after losing last year’s final.
Switzerland’s Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Bencic, the 2023 winner, is returning to top form after a six-month maternity leave.
Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, the Arab world’s favourite, will compete after recovering from a shoulder injury, while former World No. 2 Paula Badosa of Spain will also join the field.
Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, a semi-finalist in the last two editions, will aim for a strong showing, alongside World No. 8 Emma Navarro of the US, who brings impressive consistency and powerful play to the competition.
Seven @WTA Top 20 players set to battle it out in a thrilling week of world-class tennis at #MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen 🌟 #Mubadala #WTA #AbuDhabiSC
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سبع من أفضل 20 لاعبة في العالم يتألقن في بطولة #مبادلة_أبوظبي_المفتوحة 🌟 pic.twitter.com/rPFcyLiwOz— Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (@MubadalaADOpen) January 10, 2025
Adding more excitement are Jelena Ostapenko (No. 17), known for her aggressive style, and Diana Shnaider (No. 13), a rising star from a breakout year who is the youngest player in the Top 15.
This year, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open promises more than just world-class tennis, with an expanded Tennis Village offering a variety of family-friendly activations, live entertainment, delectable food options, and immersive sponsor experiences.
The Tennis Village will be the largest in the event’s history and is free for all attendees, ensuring a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere for tennis fans of all ages.
Nigel Gupta, IMG Tournament Director, stated that, “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open marks a major milestone for tennis in the region, with seven of the top 20 WTA players confirming their participation. The expanded, free-to-enter Tennis Village will also offer a vibrant festival atmosphere, enhancing the fan experience beyond the matches.”