Belinda Bencic is set to clash with Ashlyn Krueger on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre as they face off in the final of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women's Tennis Open. Bencic enters the match as the significant favorite, holding -250 odds, which imply she has approximately a 71.4% chance of winning. Krueger, on the other hand, stands as the underdog with +200 odds, reflecting about 33.3% chance to claim victory.
At 20 years old, Krueger has already made remarkable strides, rising to world No. 51 by showcasing her talent throughout the tournament. She has showcased her prowess by defeating several skilled competitors, including third-seeded Daria Kasatkina and eighth-seeded Leylah Fernandez. "It feels amazing. I’m so happy to do it here [reach her biggest final] in Abu Dhabi. I couldn’t be more happy," Krueger expressed after her semifinal match.
Bencic, currently ranked No. 157, has also demonstrated her skill, winning matches convincingly to reach this stage of the competition. According to data from Dimers, their tennis model, there is high confidence surrounding Bencic's victory, projecting her as the most likely winner due to her extensive experience and current form. Greg Butyn, Dimers' data analyst, noted, "By incorporating recent updates and various other inputs, we estimate Belinda Bencic is more likely to win."
On her rise to success, Krueger credits her family, especially her mother, for her tennis path. "My mom played college tennis, and she started everything for me," she recalls. The familial support has evidently fuelled her dedication to the sport, which she embraced seriously around the age of 14 or 15. Her mother's involvement brought Krueger’s interest to fruition, transforming it from playful ambition to professional determination.
Krueger's strong athletic background can be attributed to her upbringing and her mother’s love for tennis, which has also seen Krueger create pathways toward solid coaching. She is currently mentored by Michael Joyce, known for his extensive coaching career, including time with major tennis figures like Maria Sharapova. This partnership has enriched Krueger’s development as she joins the ranks of competitive players. The guidance has had tangible effects as she explores her skills and adapts her play style.
With the match set to begin at 8:00 AM ET, the anticipation for the final builds. From the start of the tournament, all eyes have been on both players and the storylines they bring to the court. Ratings from betting games leave little room for error and set expectations high for Bencic's anticipated performance. Krueger’s ascent from her earlier tournament rounds has been inspiring, demonstrating resilience and skill—a promise of future achievements.
Both competitors have shown they can withstand the pressures of top-tier matches, raising the stakes for this final. With the unpredictable nature of sports, Krueger’s underdog status will come under scrutiny as she stands against the seasoned Bencic, who is aiming to prove why she holds the favored position.
Fans and analysts alike will be tuned to see how this final shapes future rankings and the careers of both women. Win or lose, Krueger's performance at the Abu Dhabi Open marks her presence on the world stage as she moves closer to consolidation as one of the sport's rising stars. Meanwhile, for Bencic, the match serves as both challenge and opportunity to reclaim her standing as one of the esteemed competitors within women's tennis.