The Abu Dhabi Open 2025 has captivated tennis fans from around the globe with its thrilling matches and compelling personal stories, showcasing some of the fiercest competition on the women’s tennis circuit. Held from February 3 to 8, this WTA 500-level tournament is taking place at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre, which has become the tournament’s home since its introduction to the WTA Tour back in 2021.
Defending champion Elena Rybakina has brought her A-game to Abu Dhabi, aiming to reclaim her title after her compelling win last year. She's joined by Swiss powerhouse Belinda Bencic—who has made headlines not only for her remarkable skill on the court but also for her inspirational return after maternity leave. Bencic's path through the tournament has been nothing short of extraordinary, revitalized by the presence of her young daughter, Bella, who has become her personal cheerleader.
Since its inaugural edition, the Abu Dhabi Open has emerged as one of the notable stops on the WTA calendar. Each year, it has attracted top talent, from Aryna Sabalenka, who lifted the first title, to the likes of big names who vie for the impressive prize pool of USD 1.06 million. Bencic personally values this competition not just for the prize money, but as part of her comeback narrative as she re-establishes herself among the elite of the sport.
This year’s competition format features singles and doubles matches over the span of six days, culminating with the finals on Saturday, February 8. The singles champion will take home USD 164,000, with significant payouts for the runners-ups and various rounds, providing ample incentive for the players involved.
Adding to the drama, the tournament has also been marred by some controversies. A notable incident involved Jelena Ostapenko during the women’s doubles quarter-final match where tensions flared between her and opponents Timea Babos and Nicole Melichar-Martinez. The confrontation escalated after Babos accused Ostapenko of being 'fake and disrespectful' following what she deemed improper conduct on the court. While the verbal clash overshadowed the match, it also sparked discussions about player etiquette and sportsmanship on the tour.
Reflecting on the controversy, Babos took to Instagram to express her frustration, saying, “Some players are just sooo fake and disrespectful,” emphasizing the importance of respect on the court irrespective of performance. Ostapenko, who is no stranger to on-court disputes, chose to maintain her composure, allowing her and partner Ellen Perez to focus on securing the match victory with a final score of 6-4, 6-4.
Meanwhile, Bencic continues to enjoy her time on the court, not only for her performance but also for the joy of motherhood. She remarked, "I'm so happy this is happening, for sure. I worked really hard to come back... it was definitely not easy." Her determination to balance her competitive spirit along with her responsibilities as a mother is proving to be her secret weapon.
Throughout the tournament, Bencic’s matches have illustrated her growth, resilience, and the adaptation of her game. Coming off strong victories, she maneuvered through the draw, defeating tough competitors like Veronika Kudermetova and Marketa Vondroušová leading up to her recent semifinal clash against Rybakina—a match built on their shared history as the last two champions.
The highly anticipated final between Bencic and Ashlyn Krueger promises to be thrilling. With both athletes showcasing their skills, the match is not just about the title but also the narratives surrounding them—Bencic’s emotional rollercoaster of motherhood and Krueger’s rapid ascent through the ranks.
Fans can expect the Abu Dhabi Open to be more than just another tournament. It highlights the blend of athletic prowess and personal stories, reminding audiences why sporting events resonate beyond the scorelines. The stories of resilience, controversy, and triumph prominently shine through, making this tournament one to watch. No matter the outcome, the impact of these narratives will echo throughout the tennis community.