Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open line-up bolstered by addition of star duo Bencic, Badosa

emirates7 - Belinda Bencic and Paula Badosa are the latest confirmed players for the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, which will take place from February 1-8 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.

Swiss tennis star Bencic, 27, who became the inaugural champion of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2023 by defeating Liudmila Samsonova, returns after missing the 2024 tournament due to pregnancy. The former world number 4 and eight-time WTA singles champion, who also claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, is excited to return to the UAE and compete again. Reflecting on her victory in 2023, which included a remarkable comeback from a one-set deficit and saving three match points, Bencic shared her enthusiasm about returning as a new mother and reliving the special memories of the tournament.

Joining her will be Spain's Paula Badosa, currently ranked 12th in the world. Badosa, 27, recently won her fourth WTA title at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in August, defeating Marie Bouzkova in the final. She will make her debut at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2025 after missing the past two tournaments due to injury and illness. Badosa expressed her excitement about competing in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a city with incredible fans and a tournament with a strong field. She looks forward to showcasing her skills in February.

Bencic and Badosa will join a competitive field of 28 players, which includes three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, who returns after a shoulder injury, and Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, who has reached the semi-finals in the past two editions of the tournament.