Elena Rybakina continued her quest for back-to-back titles as she edged past Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on February 6, 2025. The match, held at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre, was not only pivotal for both players but also served as a dramatic rematch following their iconic clash at the 2022 Wimbledon final.
Rybakina, the defending champion and top seed, displayed both grit and determination, overcoming Jabeur after dropping the first set. Rybakina had experienced mixed fortunes leading to this match, having come off a tough three-set win against Katie Volynets (2-6, 6-4, 6-4) in the second round, where she struggled initially but rebounded to secure victory. Meanwhile, Jabeur breezed through her previous contests, winning comfortably against Jelena Ostapenko and Wakana Sonobe.
Throughout the tournament, Rybakina had been focusing on maintaining her place within the upper echelon of the WTA rankings, needing to secure victories to avoid slipping from fifth spot. Her performance on hard courts had been solid, featuring some consistent numbers: she had converted 76.8% of her service games and had enjoyed success historically against strong opponents.
The match showcased the tension and competitiveness expected from such high-caliber players. Early on, Jabeur took the initiative with aggressive groundstrokes and strategic placement, pushing Rybakina to her limits. While Jabeur had previously led the head-to-head encounters 3-2, Rybakina's experience shone through, particularly after having claimed the championship last year.
The first set slipped away from Rybakina, leaving the audience guessing whether she was going to suffer another early exit, but the Kazakh player quickly turned the tide. Rybakina regained her momentum, showcasing her impressive serve and powerful returns, which were evident as she converted key break points during the second and third sets.
Commentators were on the edge of their seats as the match escalated, particularly during the tense moments of the final set, which culminated in a gripping tiebreak. "NO WAY!" erupted from the commentators as Jabeur executed remarkable shots—her crosscourt passes drew gasps from the crowd, but Rybakina’s resolve remained unbroken.
Finally, after battling through physical and mental strains, Rybakina clinched the decisive tiebreaker, securing her place in the semifinals. "Elena Rybakina defeats Ons Jabeur in dramatic Abu Dhabi clash," reported by the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, capturing the essence of the thrilling encounter.
This victory not only extends Rybakina's winning streak to six matches at the Abu Dhabi Open but also serves as a strong reminder of her capabilities as she aims to defend her title. Meanwhile, Jabeur’s loss marks yet another quarterfinal exit, underscoring the challenging nature of her season as she continues to pursue consistency and aim for her next title after more than 17 months without one.
The stakes are high as Rybakina progresses, having now set her focus on what lies next within the tournament—a chance to lift the trophy again and solidify her status within the WTA ranks. With anticipation building around the remaining matches, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how she manages to navigate the semifinals and potentially the finals, following her remarkable feat against Jabeur.