The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open wrapped up its final day with an exciting array of matches, highlighted by the rise of 20-year-old Sara Bejlek, who captured her first WTA Tour title. Also claiming victories were Ekaterina Alexandrova and Maya Joint in doubles, as well as Yui Kamiji in the inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Invitational.
Competing as a qualifier in her first tournament, Bejlek stunned expectations by narrowly defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova, who was aiming for a double title in both singles and doubles. With a score of 7-6, 6-1, Bejlek made history by becoming the first Czech player to win the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Reflecting on her victory, she expressed her newfound confidence, stating, “I now know I can compete with anyone and not be scared of anybody,” emphasizing her team’s unwavering belief in her talent.
In the doubles competition, Alexandrova rebounded from her loss in the singles final, teaming up with Joint to secure the title. They triumphed over Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls in a thrilling, rain-delayed match that ended with scores of 6-3, 6-7, 10-8.
Meanwhile, World No. 1 Yui Kamiji made a remarkable debut in the Wheelchair Tennis Invitational, defeating Jiske Griffioen, a 20-time Grand Slam champion. Kamiji won the final with a score of 6-3, 6-2, stating, “I’m really happy to get the opportunity to play here; the tournament is great, and the courts are fantastic.” She also set her sights on winning the Wimbledon Singles title, which has eluded her in previous seasons.
The tournament showcased not only elite professional matches but also promising young talent. In the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Uchechukwu (Megan) Uzokwe and Yezid Baccouche clinched the Under-12 championship. Isabelle James achieved her third consecutive title in this series, while Marwan Safi was crowned Under-14 boys’ champion. Saida Ismail took the girls’ title in the Under-16 category, and Timur Gordeev celebrated his third consecutive win in his division.
Monica Puig, the Olympic gold medalist and tournament presenter, lauded the atmosphere throughout the event, noting the exceptional performance of Bejlek. She remarked, “I never saw her at any point look nervous on the court. She just stuck to her guns and did what she needed to do.” Puig expressed excitement about Bejlek’s future in the sport.
Tournament director Nigel Gupta reflected on the success of this year’s edition, highlighting the enthusiastic crowds that contributed to the event’s vibrant atmosphere. He praised Bejlek’s achievement in securing her first WTA Tour title, calling it a joy for spectators. Gupta also pointed to the milestone of showcasing wheelchair tennis for the first time, commending the skill and competitiveness displayed. Looking forward, he expressed eagerness about developing the tournament further, ensuring it remains a highly anticipated annual event.