Beaten finalist Daria Kasatkina looks to go one better at 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

Russian lost to top seed Elena Rybakina in this year's showpiece at Zayed Sports City

Daria Kasatkina playing against Elena Rybakina in the women’s final of Mubadala Abu Dhabi open held at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Daria Kasatkina will return to the capital for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in February 2025 hoping to go one better than her previous attempt that saw her lose in the final against Elena Rybakina.

The Russian, currently ranked No 9 in the WTA rankings, is enjoying a good run of form having clinched the Ningo Open in China last month for her eighth Tour title.

In this year's Abu Dhabi Open at Zayed Sports City, Kasatkina defeated Diane Parry, Ashlyn Krueger, Sorana Cirstea and Beatriz Haddad Maia in her run to the final where she was beaten by top seed Rybakina 6-1, 6-4.

The 27-year-old is the latest addition to an already strong line-up for the tournament that runs from February 1-8 that includes the likes of three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur, Haddad Maia – twice a losing semi-finalist in Abu Dhabi – and 2023 champion Belinda Bencic.

“I’m thrilled to be returning for another shot at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title,” said Kasatkina, whose best run in a Slam saw her reach the French Open semi-finals in 2022 where she was beaten by eventual champion Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-1 at Roland Garros.

“Last year’s tournament was an incredible experience, competing in front of such passionate fans, and reaching the final was unforgettable.

“While on that occasion I came up short against a very strong opponent, it has only fuelled my determination to go one step further this time. I’m feeling confident in my game, and I’m looking forward to competing once again in Abu Dhabi.”

Kasatkina took part in the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia as an alternate for the injured the injured Jessica Pegula but was thrashed 6-1, 6-0 by Swiatek in her only group-stage match.

Fan favourite Jabeur confirmed her return to Abu Dhabi for the third edition of the WTA 500 event last month after enduring an injury-ravaged 2024 season.

The Tunisian decided against playing at the Paris Olympics rather than risk aggravating a long-standing knee injury but then missed the US Open due to a shoulder problem.

Her best run in the three other Grand Slams came at the French Open where she was beaten in the quarter-finals 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 by Coco Gauff.

“I’m delighted to be returning to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, one of my favourite tournaments in my home region where I always receive such fantastic support,” said Jabeur, who was struggling with her knee problem when losing to Brazilian Haddad Maia in this year's quarter-finals.

Elena Rybakina holds the trophy after winning the final of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open tournament at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, February 11, 2024. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

Elena Rybakina with her trophy.

Daria Kasatkina and Elena Rybakina after the final of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Elena Rybakina, right, hugs Daria Kasatkina after her victory.

Elena Rybakina in action against Daria Kasatkina.

Daria Kasatkina hits a forehand.

Elena Rybakina returns against Daria Kasatkina.

Elena Rybakina after winning a point.

Daria Kasatkina plays a backhand return in the final.

Daria Kasatkina after clinching a point.

Daria Kasatkina in action against Elena Rybakina.

“It’s been a frustrating few months out with my shoulder injury, but I expect to be back fully fit for 2025.”

Former world No 4 Bencic became the tournament's inaugural champion in 2023 when she overcame Liudmila Samsonova to clinch the title but the Swiss was unable to defend her title due to being pregnant with her first child.

“Winning this tournament in 2023 was an unforgettable moment in my career, and I’m looking forward to coming back as a new mother and experiencing the amazing atmosphere,” Bencic said last month.

“It’s been a special journey returning to the tour after giving birth, and I can’t wait to be back on court in a place which holds such special memories.”

Also set to compete at Zayed Sports City is four-time WTA title winner Paula Badosa who will be making her debut.
“It’s a tournament I’ve wanted to play since it began in 2023, but unfortunately I had to withdraw previously due to injuries, however I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity in 2025,” said the Spaniard last month

“Abu Dhabi is an incredible city with amazing fans, and the tournament always attracts such a strong field. I’m feeling good about my form right now, and I’m looking forward to showing what I’m capable of in February.”