- Elena Rybakina returns to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open alongside top contenders like Kasatkina, Bencic, and Jabeur.
- Harriet Dart and Billy Harris reach the final round of Australian Open qualifying.
- Francesca Jones aims to join them, while other British stars prepare for the main draw.
Reigning champion Elena Rybakina is set to defend her title at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, which runs from February 1-8, 2025. The tournament boasts a stellar line-up, including last year’s finalist Daria Kasatkina and three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur, who returns after a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Harriet Dart and Billy Harris moved closer to securing spots in the Australian Open main draw. Dart fought through a challenging three-set match, while Harris breezed past his opponent in just 70 minutes.
Top Contenders Gear Up for Mubadala Open; British Hopefuls Shine in Australian Qualifiers
Elena Rybakina’s journey to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open this year follows an impressive season, marked by three WTA titles in 2024. Despite setbacks like illness and injury in the latter half of the year, she remains a strong favorite to retain her crown. With heavy hitters like Daria Kasatkina and Belinda Bencic also in the mix, the competition promises high-stakes matches.
The tournament will see the return of Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, whose comeback after a shoulder injury adds another layer of excitement. Additionally, Paula Badosa and Beatriz Haddad Maia round out a deep player field, making this one of the most anticipated editions in recent years.
In Melbourne, Harriet Dart showcased resilience, overcoming a first-set loss to defeat Taylah Preston in three sets. Billy Harris, on the other hand, displayed dominance with a swift win against Carlos Taberner. Both players now stand just one victory away from the main draw, keeping British hopes alive.
Francesca Jones is set to face Jil Teichmann, hoping to join Dart and Harris in the final round. Meanwhile, the main draw will feature British talents like Emma Raducanu, Cameron Norrie, and Katie Boulter, ensuring strong representation in both the men’s and women’s events.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and Australian Open qualifiers highlight the incredible depth of talent in tennis, setting the stage for thrilling competitions in 2025.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” – Billie Jean King
