ABU DHABI, UAE – 22 December 2025: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has confirmed Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko as the latest player to join the field for its fourth edition, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation as a showcase for the next generation of elite women’s tennis.
Just 19 years old, Mboko has emerged as one of the most compelling breakthrough stories on the WTA Tour in 2025. Starting the year ranked outside the world’s top 300, the fast-rising Canadian climbed into the Top 20 following a remarkable season highlighted by titles in the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers and Prudential Hong Kong Open, establishing herself as one of the sport’s most exciting young contenders.
Her triumph in Montreal in August was only the third home win by a Canadian woman in the national tournament since the Open era began in 1968.
Mboko will make her Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open debut when the WTA 500 tournament returns to the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from 31 January to 7 February 2026, joining a growing line-up of elite and emerging talent.
Victoria Mboko said: “Breaking into the Top 20 has been an incredible journey, and I’m really excited to be making my debut in Abu Dhabi. I’ve heard amazing things about the tournament, the facilities and the fans, and I’m looking forward to testing myself against such a strong field at the start of the season.”
The 2026 event will also see the return of defending champion Belinda Bencic, who is confirmed to compete as she pursues a third Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title. The Olympic gold medallist remains unbeaten at the tournament, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2025, missing out in 2024 on a maternity break, and returns following a standout comeback season on the WTA Tour.
Beyond Mboko and Bencic, momentum continues to build around the 2026 entry list. The tournament is attracting strong interest from a new wave of global talent, including Canadian star Leylah Fernandez, Danish standout Clara Tauson, and Spanish favourite Paula Badosa, as anticipation grows ahead of further player announcements in the new year. Rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala has already been confirmed, reinforcing the event’s position as a proving ground for emerging champions.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director at MARI, said: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has become a platform where fans can see both established champions and future stars up close. Victoria Mboko’s rise this season has been extraordinary, and her debut adds even more excitement to a field that already includes Belinda Bencic and some of the most exciting young players in the game.”
Organised by MARI in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly established itself as one of the WTA Tour’s most compelling early-season events, combining world-class tennis with a strong focus on youth, community engagement and fan experience.
Further player announcements for the 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will be revealed in the new year.
Tickets are available now at Platinumlist