Elena Rybakina has confirmed her first post-Australian Open tournament as the world No. 6 will return to Abu Dhabi between February 03-08 to defend her title.
Last year, the Kazakh won her maiden title at the United Arab Emirates tournament after beating Daria Kasatkina in the final.
Now, she is set to play at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi for the fourth time in her career.
Before winning it all, Rybakina picked up quarterfinal exits at the tournament in 2021 and 2023.
Besides the 2022 Wimbledon champion, the tournament also announced two more very notable names – 2022 champion Belinda Bencic and world No. 9 Daria Kasatkina.
The Abu Dhabi organizers thrilled to have Rybakina back
“We’re thrilled to welcome back Elena, Daria Kasatkina, and Belinda Bencic to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open among many other top players,” tournament director Nigel Gupta said in a statement.
“Elena’s incredible performance last year set a new benchmark, and we’re looking forward to seeing her defend her title against another strong field of world-class players in Abu Dhabi. This tournament continues to grow in stature, and 2025 promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet.”
Elena Rybakina© Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open/Instagram – Fair Use
Meanwhile, the former world No. 3 kicked off her 2025 season by reaching the United Cup semifinal with Kazakhstan.
At the event, the 25-year-old won her opening three singles matches before losing to Iga Swiatek.
Now, the world No. 6 is preparing to start her Australian Open run by taking on rising Australian star Emerson Jones in the first round.
In 2023, Rybakina reached the final at Melbourne Park – was even up by a set – but then lost in three sets to Aryna Sabalenka.
Last year, the Kazakh suffered a shock second-round loss in Melbourne to Anna Blinkova.
There is no doubt that the 2023 Australian Open runner-up will be determined to make amends and do much better this year at Melbourne Park.
Tennis World USA