Belinda Bencic Claims Second Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Title After Thrilling Comeback Against Ashlyn Krueger

Belinda Bencic claimed her second Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, overcoming Ashlyn Krueger in a thrilling final. The Swiss player staged an impressive comeback to win the match. Meanwhile, Jelena Ostapenko and Ellen Perez secured the doubles crown with a commanding victory over Shuai Zhang and Kristina Mladenovic. The WTA 500 event concluded at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, after eight days of top-tier tennis and entertainment.

Bencic's path to the final included a remarkable victory over reigning champion Elena Rybakina, while Krueger defeated Linda Noskova. Their performances set up an exciting showdown on Stadium Court. The first set was closely contested, with both players holding serve for the initial eight games. Krueger then broke Bencic's serve to take the lead at 5-4 and won the set.

The second set saw Bencic dominate Krueger, who was playing her first WTA 500 final. Bencic's powerful play left Krueger struggling as she levelled the match. In the third set, Bencic quickly established a 3-0 lead. Although Krueger managed to win one game, Bencic maintained her momentum to secure a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory.

Bencic celebrated her win by including her daughter Bella in the festivities before receiving her trophy from notable figures such as Homaid Al Shimmari and Aref Al Awani. Her triumph marked a successful return to competition after a maternity break last October.

Earlier in the day, Ostapenko and Perez dominated their doubles final against Zhang and Mladenovic. They needed just an hour to clinch a 6-2, 6-1 victory. The pair reached the final without dropping a set throughout the tournament.

Homaid Al Shimmari praised the winners for their achievements at this year's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. He highlighted how the event brought together top talent and thrilled fans while boosting women's tennis globally. Al Shimmari expressed pride in supporting events that inspire future generations and enhance Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier sports destination.

Impact on Local Community

Aref Al Awani commended everyone involved for making this edition of the tournament a success. He congratulated Bencic on her well-deserved victory, noting her skillful performance that matched the tournament's prestige. Al Awani also emphasised how the event supports tennis development in the UAE and inspires young players and fans alike.

The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open initiative concluded today with winners crowned across various age groups. Timur Gordeev retained his Under-16 Boys title, while Karen John won in the Girls category. Isabelle James defended her Under-14 title successfully, with Alexi Rafa Aldemita winning in Boys' competition.

Engaging Young Audiences

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Schools Program engaged over 25,000 children across schools in Abu Dhabi through assemblies and tennis sessions hosted by Tennis 360. More than 17,000 students participated in these activities aimed at introducing them to tennis enjoyably.

The program culminated with thousands of students attending matches during tournament week alongside various tennis-themed activations at Mubadala Tennis Village. Fans enjoyed music performances by Dan Moores and Chelsey Duo while relaxing under UAE sunshine amidst fantastic food offerings within five distinct districts.

With inputs from WAM