WTA Schedule Update | Belinda Bencic and Alexandra Eala confirm Abu Dhabi Open spots

The WTA schedule continues to take place going into next season with the first players confirmed for the Abu Dhabi Open which will take place between January 31 - February 7 including the defending champion Belinda Bencic.

Bencic won her first Abu Dhabi Open title in 2023, she became a mother in the meantime and then returned this year to seal the title in one of the most heroic storylines of the year as she became the first player since Elina Svitolina to have any sort of success after returning from motherhood.

She went on to seal further titles in 2025 and will return in 2026 to the courts she loves aiming to win it again. She overturned a set deficit in said final to see off Ashlyn Krueger. Joining World No.11 Bencic will be Alexandra Eala.

The 2025 Miami Open semi-finalist is consistently making history for the Philippines and having broke into the top 50 in the rankings in 2025, she will aim higher. This after having a lot of attention diverted her way during her early career due to her training at the Rafael Nadal Academy which perhaps derailed her early momentum.

But as she gets older, the 20-year-old is firmly finding her footing in the mirage that is the WTA Tour and she made history also in August becoming the first Filipino player to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam seeing off Clara Tauson in the opening round of the US Open.

28 singles players will be confirmed over the coming weeks with the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Open set to take place between January 31 - February 7. Also as per the report by The National, every ticket will automatically give fans the chance to see even more tennis as it will be a prize draw from there for the Mubadala DC Open 2026 in Washington including return flights, accommodation and VIP access.

Homaid Al Shimmari, deputy group CEO and chief corporate & human capital officer for Mubadala Investment Company, said: “For more than 15 years, Mubadala has been proud to champion tennis and bring world-class sporting experiences to the UAE.

"As a global investor, we are committed to creating long-term value not only in the industries we invest in, but also in the communities we serve. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly become one of the most significant sporting events in the UAE, inspiring future talent, and uniting the community.”

Portia Archer, WTA CEO, commented: also as per The National “We are thrilled to see the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open return for its fourth edition in 2026. This tournament has quickly earned a place as a favourite stop on the WTA Tour thanks to its excellent organisation, enthusiastic crowds and the warm hospitality of Abu Dhabi.