Alexandra Eala will share the spotlight with some of the sport’s biggest names when she returns to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, placing the young Filipina firmly among the headline attractions for the tournament’s fourth edition. The WTA 500 event is set for January 31 to February 7, 2026, at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City.
Her confirmation marks another milestone in a rapid rise that has reshaped Philippine tennis. Since making her Abu Dhabi debut in 2024, the 20-year-old has climbed steadily through the rankings, entering the Top 50 this year after a strong run of main-draw results — an ascent that came just months after breaking into the Top 100 for the first time at the end of March 2025. A former US Open girls’ singles champion and long-time Rafa Nadal Academy athlete, she now holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked Filipino player in Tour history.
Eala recalled how the UAE crowd bolstered her early career momentum, saying: “Playing in Abu Dhabi in 2024 was such an amazing experience. The support from the Filipino fans and the incredible atmosphere really inspired me. I’ve been working hard and have learned so much since then, and I’m thrilled to be coming back stronger for the 2026 tournament. It’s an honour to compete alongside so many top players.”
One of those top competitors is defending champion Belinda Bencic, who also headlines the early lineup. The Swiss star, currently World No. 11, returns with an unblemished record at the tournament after lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2025. Her most recent win over American Ashlyn Krueger punctuated a comeback season following maternity leave and produced an emotional moment as she celebrated on court with her daughter, Bella.
Bencic’s dominance in Abu Dhabi adds to an already decorated career that includes eight WTA singles titles, Olympic gold from Tokyo 2020, and a victory this month at the Toray Pan Pacific Open. “It feels amazing to be coming back to Abu Dhabi again as defending champion,” she said. “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a special tournament for me — I’ve had some of my best memories here. The atmosphere is always incredible, and it means so much to return to a place where I’ve felt so much support from the fans. I’m looking forward to another great week of tennis in February.”
Tournament Director Nigel Gupta welcomed both athletes, emphasizing the strength of the early roster. “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. Belinda has a special history with this tournament, and her return as defending champion sets the tone for another thrilling edition.”
Organised by IMG in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event has quickly evolved into one of the WTA Tour’s standout stops. The 2025 edition featured eight of the world’s top 20 players and drew record crowds, building anticipation for another week of high-calibre tennis and vibrant community activities in 2026.
