Belinda Bencic has claimed the title of Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open champion for the second time after defeating Ashlyn Krueger in the final, while Jelena Ostapenko and Ellen Perez claimed the doubles title following a win over Shuai Zhang and Kristina Mladenovic.
The third edition of the WTA 500 event drew to a close in front of a sold-out crowd at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, after eight days of world-class tennis and off-court entertainment.
Both finalists recorded the victories to secure their place in the tournament showpiece, with Bencic overturning a one-set deficit to eliminate reigning champion Elena Rybakina, and Krueger defeating Linda Noskova, setting the stage for a showdown on Stadium Court.
The tournament was attended by His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC); His Excellency, Dr Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Acting Assistant General Secretary, ADSC; Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO at Mubadala Investment Company; Portia Archer, Chief Executive Officer, WTA; Roberto Ranieri, WTA Supervisor; Claire Wood, Tournament Referee; and Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director.
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC, said: “The third edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open was an exceptional success, thanks to the tireless efforts of everyone involved. On this occasion, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the participating players, the loyal fans, all the partners, and organising teams who worked tirelessly to make this prestigious sporting event a success.
“I am pleased to congratulate Belinda Bencic on her well-deserved victory. She showcased an outstanding performance that combined skill and determination that befits the prestige of the tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the development of tennis in the UAE, in addition to inspiring the next generation of players and fans. It was great to see thousands of school students attending the event, which reflects the positive impact the tournament has had on them. This tournament also further confirms Abu Dhabi’s prowess in hosting international sporting events efficiently and competently, which enhances its position as a global destination for sports.”
Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO at Mubadala Investment Company, said: “Congratulations to the winners on their remarkable victory at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. This tournament has once again brought together the world’s top talent, thrilling fans and elevating the profile of women’s tennis on the global stage. At Mubadala, we are proud to support events that inspire the next generation and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class sporting destination. We look forward to building on this magnificent momentum and welcoming many more future champions to this speculator event next year.”
Earlier in the day, Ostapenko and Perez won against Zhang and Mladenovic in the doubles final, requiring just 60 minutes to secure the title. The duo reached the final without dropping a single set, and the final match followed a similar theme.
The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open winners were also recognised on the final day. The initiative, which provides a pathway for aspiring players in the UAE to enhance their skills and make an impact on the global game, is fully sanctioned by the UAE Tennis Federation. The initiative sees tournaments held for various age groups across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, with the respective finals taking place as part of the WTA 500 event.
For the second consecutive year, Timur Gordeev won the title in the Under-16 Boys competition, while Karen John triumphed in the girls tournament for the same age group. At the Under-14 level, Isabelle James successfully defended the title she won last year, with Alexi Rafa Aldemita winning the boys’ competition. Ryan Abou Jamra and Sophie Himmelreich, meanwhile, were the two winners in the Under-12 category.
The event continues to make a significant impact in the local community through both the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Schools Programme, which engaged more than 25,000 children across schools in Abu Dhabi.
The programme aims to introduce children to tennis in a fun and engaging way, with a host of carefully crafted assemblies held in schools across the city, reaching more than 17,000 students, as well as the launch of nationwide art competitions and tennis sessions hosted by Tennis 360.
More than 25,000 students and teachers attend the tournament throughout the week, where they were able to watch some of the world’s best players in action, while also enjoying a host of tennis-themed events and activities in the Mubadala Tennis Village. The Mubadala Tennis Village is a 15,000 square-metre venue offering a range of food and beverage outlets, with five separate districts offering an array of activities for children.
