Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Belinda Bencic returns to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open this week as not just a familiar face but the woman to beat on the hard courts of Zayed Sports City. The Swiss star, a two-time champion in the emirate and unbeaten at the tournament, arrives as defending champion in a strong WTA 500 field that underlines the growing stature of the event on the women’s tour.
Bencic’s relationship with Abu Dhabi has been a successful one because the conditions seem to be an apt fit for her game, she reckons. “I just feel very welcomed here and I feel like the conditions suit me a lot,” she told Aletihad on the eve of the event. “It’s a beautiful tournament. I think I’ll always be very excited for this tournament, so I’ll always come back and play here.”
Her title last year carried extra significance. It marked one of the standout moments of her comeback season following maternity leave, a win that resonated well beyond the scoreboard. Yet, as she begins her campaign again, Bencic is keen to frame the week as a fresh challenge rather than a defence.
“I don’t feel like I’m here to defend the title. I feel like I’m here to play another tournament and kind of keep the momentum going,” she said. “I had a great start to the year, and I just want to get better this week and, of course, find my way through the tournament. It’s not going to be easy at all. There are a lot of great players here. The field is really packed, so I’m just excited for my first match.
That depth is evident across the draw, with several established names and in-form players vying for the title. The competitive balance is something Bencic embraces, preferring to focus on the present rather than past results. “Every year is very different,” said the world No.10.
“Players are in different forms and every week can be very different. That’s the beauty of the sport. I’m not really focusing too much on what has been, but what I’m going to try to do on the court against my given opponent.”
Beyond the tennis, Abu Dhabi has offered Bencic a sense of calm and discovery away from competition. She has made time to explore the city and its landmarks, experiences she values as part of her annual return.
“I love exploring so much,” she said. “Last year we visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for the second time, and I love it so much, so I really hope we can go again this year. I also feel like the aquarium is one of the most beautiful I’ve been to. These things are very chill, but you can still really enjoy your day.”
Family and support remain central to her journey, particularly as she balances life on tour with motherhood. Preparation, she says, has been a collective effort. “The role of my family and my team is the biggest one,” Bencic said.
“Without them, I couldn’t do all of this, travelling around the world and playing. I’m incredibly grateful for them. We prepared as best we could in the pre-season. We had a good time in Australia and then came straight here to relax a little, and now we’re preparing again for the tournament.”
One of the players looking to challenge Bencic’s dominance in Abu Dhabi is Paula Badosa, who arrives with a strong personal connection to the region. The Spaniard, who has spent time living and training in the UAE, said: “It’s one tournament I always come and play because I really enjoy it ... it’s a little bit like playing at home.”
For Bencic, it is another chance to extend an unbeaten run in a city that has become one of her happiest hunting grounds.
