The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has confirmed its first elite competitors for the 2026 tournament, with Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala and defending champion Belinda Bencic headlining the initial player announcements. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500 event will showcase world-class athletic talent from January 31 to February 7 at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.
Twenty-year-old Eala, currently ranked 50th globally and the highest-ranked Philippine player in history, will make her second appearance at the Abu Dhabi tournament. The Rafael Nadal Academy trainee achieved national hero status in her basketball-dominated homeland following her remarkable 2024 Miami Open performance, where she defeated Grand Slam champions Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek in straight sets before bowing to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
Eala expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Emirati capital, stating: “My 2024 Abu Dhabi experience proved absolutely phenomenal. The tremendous support from Filipino spectators and the electric atmosphere truly motivated me. I’ve dedicated myself to intensive training and gained substantial experience since that competition, and I’m delighted to return in strengthened form for the 2026 championship. Competing alongside numerous elite athletes represents a genuine privilege.”
Swiss tennis star Bencic will defend her title following last year’s triumphant comeback after maternity leave. The world number 11 and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, who also claimed the Abu Dhabi championship in 2023, described the tournament as personally significant. “Returning as defending champion creates an extraordinary feeling. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open holds special meaning for me—I’ve created some of my finest competitive memories here,” Bencic remarked. “The consistently incredible ambiance and fan support make this venue particularly meaningful. I anticipate another superb week of tennis in February.”
Tournament Director Nigel Gupta of MARI emphasized the event’s growing prestige, noting: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continually enhances its status as one of the Middle East’s premier tennis competitions. We’re extremely pleased to welcome Belinda Bencic and Alexandra Eala as our initial confirmed participants for 2026. Belinda’s unique history with this tournament and her comeback as defending champion establishes the foundation for another captivating edition.”