2025 Abu Dhabi Open: Belinda Bencic stuns Elena Rybakina, sets final clash with inspired Ashlyn Krueger

Friday, 07 February 2025 at 18:36

The finalists for the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open have been determined after defending champion Elena Rybakina was eliminated by former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic.

On the other side of the draw, American Ashlyn Krueger continued her inspired start to 2025, taking out young star Linda Noskova to reach her first WTA 500 final as she secured top-40 spot for the first time in her career.

Bencic stuns Rybakina to reach first final after two years

Bencic remains in top form, securing another impressive win in Abu Dhabi. It was a battle between former champions—the Swiss star, who won the 2023 edition, and Elena Rybakina, the defending champion. The Kazakh was more effective in the first set, especially in the key moments, saving all four break points she faced while converting one of two chances to take the lead.

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Bencic struggled with her first serve consistency, but when she did land it, she was incredibly effective, winning 82% of points on her first serve, compared to 70% for the 2022 Wimbledon champion. The second and third sets followed a similar pattern, but this time Bencic improved her first-serve percentage from 52% in the first set to 77% in the second (61% in the third). A break early in the second set allowed her to control the set and take it 6-3.

The deciding set was a rollercoaster, with both players struggling on serve. Bencic secured two early breaks, while Rybakina recovered one. Holding a slim lead, the Swiss secured another break and had two match points at 5-2, but Rybakina attempted a late comeback, reclaiming one break. However, Bencic held her nerve to serve out the match, sealing a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

This marks Bencic’s biggest win since her return to the Tour late last year, as well as her first top-10 victory in two years. Additionally, the Swiss star has quickly ensured her return to the top 100, achieving this feat in just three WTA Tour events and three months after coming back from her one-year maternity break.

Belinda Bencic is into her first final since 2023 🤯

The Swiss defeated defending champion Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and looks to win a second Abu Dhabi title! #MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/r7eHnQkFvU
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 7, 2025

Krueger’s Breakthrough: reaches first WTA 500 final

The American’s 2025 season has been outstanding, with an 11-3 record so far. Krueger has already beaten notable players such as Anna Kalinskaya, Paula Badosa, Marta Kostyuk, and this week, Daria Kasatkina and Leylah Fernandez. Against Noskova, she once again proved that her strong form is no fluke, showing that she is ready to compete with the world’s best.

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The 20-year-old American defeated her fellow 20-year-old opponent, Linda Noskova, who was slightly favored before the match. Despite both players lacking experience at this stage in a WTA 500 tournament, Krueger remained composed in key moments. After falling 2-4 behind in the first set, she broke back and fought her way into a tie-break, where she dominated with her strong serve (76% first serves in, winning 77% of those points) to take the opener 7-6(2).

In the second set, Krueger took full control, capitalizing on Noskova’s early struggles. The American secured two breaks, building a 5-1 lead. Though Noskova saved a match point and recovered one of the breaks, Krueger held firm on serve, closing out the 7-6(2), 6-4 victory to secure her first-ever WTA 500 final. With this result, Krueger is set to break into the top 40, marking a career-high ranking.

fairytale week! ✨

Krueger defeats Noskova in straight sets to reach her FIRST WTA 500 FINAL!#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/PV9sSl6ZAJ
— wta (@WTA) February 7, 2025

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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