ABU DHABI, UAE – 1 February 2026: For the first time in the tournament’s history, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will host an official women’s wheelchair tennis event, integrating elite wheelchair competition into the WTA tournament programme and marking a major milestone in the event’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
The event is organised by VLP Sports, a Spanish sports management company with proven experience in delivering elite wheelchair tennis events on the world’s biggest stages. VLP Sports has previously organised wheelchair tennis tournaments at the ATP 500 Rio de Janeiro and at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion at the highest level of professional tennis.
The tournament will feature a world-class line-up from the top of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis rankings, with world No. 1 Yui Kamiji of Japan set to compete alongside world No. 2 Aniek van Koot of the Netherlands, world No. 7 Kgothatso Montjane of South Africa and world No. 10 Angélica Bernal of Colombia, bringing some of the sport’s leading athletes to Abu Dhabi.
World number one Yui Kamiji said: “I am very excited about the opportunity to participate in Abu Dhabi. This is our first attempt at women’s wheelchair tennis, and it must be a very big step not only for us but also for wheelchair tennis. It’s a great honor to be part of it. We look forward to seeing you all and prepare for the best performance.”
Fans attending the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open can expect fast-paced, high-intensity matches that showcase speed, precision and extraordinary athleticism. Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as traditional tennis, with the allowance of two bounces, adding a dynamic strategic dimension and delivering an exciting, world-class spectator experience.
Felipe Quintela, Chief Executive Officer at VLP Sports, said: “This event represents a historic moment not only for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, but for women’s tennis as a whole. Integrating women’s wheelchair tennis into a WTA tournament is a powerful step forward for true inclusion in our sport.
Bringing the world No. 1 Yui Kamiji to Abu Dhabi, alongside top players such as Aniek van Koot, Kgothatso Montjane and Angélica Bernal, guarantees an exceptional level of competition. Fans can expect thrilling matches and inspiring performances.”
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, said: “Inclusion is not an add-on for us – it is part of how the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to evolve. Welcoming women’s wheelchair tennis into the tournament programme is a meaningful step that reflects our commitment to accessibility, opportunity and showcasing world-class sport in all its forms. We are proud to provide a global stage for these exceptional athletes alongside the best players on the WTA Tour.”
The inclusion of women’s wheelchair tennis further reinforces the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’s position as a progressive fixture on the global tennis calendar, while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role in advancing women’s sport and delivering inclusive, high-quality experiences for players and fans alike.
While the WTA 500 event once again brings world-class players and elite competition to Abu Dhabi, the experience goes far beyond the court. Free tickets on opening day, a packed programme of activities beyond the tennis, and a lively festival atmosphere make it the perfect place to spend the day.