The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has unveiled its first player confirmations for the 2026 edition, with defending champion Belinda Bencic and fast-rising Filipina talent Alexandra Eala set to headline the field when the WTA 500 event returns to the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, for its fourth edition from 31 January to 7 February 2026.
Bencic, currently ranked World No. 4, returns to Abu Dhabi in pursuit of a third Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2025. The 28-year-old Swiss star has claimed eight career WTA singles titles and won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. Bencic said: "It feels amazing to be coming back to Abu Dhabi again as defending champion. The support from the Filipino fans and the incredible atmosphere really inspired me. I’ve been working hard and have learned so much since then, and I’m thrilled to be coming back stronger for the 2026 tournament."
Joining Bencic in the early line-up is 20-year-old Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala, one of Asia’s most exciting young talents. Ranked World No. 11, Eala has climbed steadily through the WTA rankings since her debut in Abu Dhabi in 2024, breaking into the Top 50 this year. Eala said: "Playing in Abu Dhabi in 2024 was such an amazing experience. The atmosphere is always incredible, and it means so much to return to a place where I’ve felt so much support from the fans. I’m looking forward to another great week of tennis in February."
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director at MARI, added: "Each year, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to strengthen its position as one of the region’s premier tennis events, and we are delighted to welcome Belinda Bencic and Alexandra Eala as the first names confirmed for 2026."
Organised by IMG in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly established itself as one of the WTA’s most prestigious stops. Following a record-breaking 2025 edition, the fourth edition promises another week of world-class tennis. Tickets are available now at Platinumlist.
