Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala is poised to make her second appearance at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2026, as announced by the tournament organizers. This premier WTA 500 event will take place from January 31 to February 7 at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.
Eala, the former US Open junior champion, gained national acclaim in the Philippines following her impressive semifinal run at the Miami Open last year. During that tournament, she achieved remarkable victories over established players such as Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek. Although she fell to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, her performance marked a significant milestone in her career, introducing her to a broader audience.
Training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, the 20-year-old has established herself as a leading player, currently ranked 50th in the world. Eala expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Abu Dhabi, citing the passionate support of her Filipino fans as a motivating factor. “Playing in Abu Dhabi in 2024 was such an amazing experience. The support from the Filipino fans and the incredible atmosphere really inspired me,” she stated, reflecting on her previous participation.
Returning to the tournament will also be defending champion Belinda Bencic, who made a triumphant comeback last year after maternity leave. The Swiss player, who won Olympic gold in singles at the 2020 Tokyo Games, holds a deep affection for the Abu Dhabi tournament. “It feels amazing to be coming back to Abu Dhabi again as defending champion. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a special tournament for me – I’ve had some of my best memories here,” noted Bencic, who is currently ranked 11th in the world.
Bencic highlighted the unique atmosphere of the event and expressed her eagerness to compete in front of enthusiastic fans again. Tournament Director Nigel Gupta is equally optimistic about the upcoming edition, anticipating another showcase of world-class tennis. “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,” he stated.
With both players bringing their unique stories and strong followings to the tournament, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is set to deliver exciting matches and memorable moments in early 2026.