The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is set to kick off the WTA Tour’s Middle East Swing on February 1. This prestigious tournament is part of the WTA 500 series and will showcase talent at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City. Here’s a detailed look at the key dates, players, and essential details about the Abu Dhabi Open 2024.
Key Dates for the Abu Dhabi Open
Main-draw singles action will commence on Sunday, February 1, 2024. Doubles play will follow starting on February 2. The tournament will conclude on February 7, with both singles and doubles finals taking place on that day.
Participants in the Tournament
This year’s edition features a 28-player singles draw, which includes:
- 18 automatic entries
- 6 qualifiers
- 4 wild cards
The top four seeds will receive byes into the second round. In total, 16 teams will participate in the doubles draw. The draw will be announced on January 31.
Notable Players
The defending champion, Belinda Bencic, is set to lead the field. Other notable players include:
- Ekaterina Alexandrova
- Clara Tauson
- Emma Navarro
- Liudmila Samsonova
- Leylah Fernandez
- Jelena Ostapenko
- Zheng Qinwen
- Paula Badosa
- Alexandra Eala
- Janice Tjen
Former champions like Marketa Vondrousova and Elena Rybakina have withdrawn from the tournament due to injuries and prior commitments.
Prize Money and Ranking Points
The total prize money for this year’s Abu Dhabi Open is set at $1,206,446. The distribution of prize money and ranking points for the singles draw is as follows:
| Position | Prize Money | Ranking Points |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | $185,500 | 500 |
| Finalist | $114,500 | 325 |
| Semifinalists | $66,003 | 195 |
| Quarterfinalists | $35,000 | 108 |
| Round of 16 | $18,045 | 60 |
| Round of 32 | $13,005 | 1 |
The doubles champions will receive $61,540.
Defending Champion’s Journey
Belinda Bencic’s victory in Abu Dhabi last year marked her second title at the event. It was a significant moment for her, as it symbolized a triumphant return from maternity leave. Bencic had previously faced considerable challenges but emerged stronger, achieving notable successes throughout the season.
As the tournament approaches, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate the exciting matches ahead. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open promises to deliver thrilling tennis amid a backdrop of world-class competition.
