In Abu Dhabi, two prominent Spanish players, Paula Badosa and Garbiñe Muguruza, announced their withdrawals from the scheduled tennis event. The reasons cited were medical and personal, prompting organizers to adjust the lineup ahead of the tournament’s opening matches. Both players were slated to make their debuts on Tuesday, bringing high expectations to the event as they attempted to build momentum early in the season. The withdrawal news was confirmed by the tournament organizers, who explained that their absence would be felt in the early rounds while the field adjusted to the updated draw.
The main draw, however, continued with other qualified competitors. In a surprising turn, Belgian Ysaline Bonaventure and American Claire Liu stepped into the main draw to fill the slots left by the two Spaniards, ensuring that the tournament would proceed with a strong field. Bonaventure and Liu took advantage of the opportunity, approaching their matches with readiness and a clear plan, knowing that a few high-profile withdrawals could alter the competitive dynamics of the event. Their inclusion added additional depth to the field as the competition got underway.
The 500th edition of the Abu Dhabi tournament quickly established Daria Kasatkina of Russia as the player to watch, widely regarded as the favorite for the title. Kasatkina’s recent form, experience, and consistency across surfaces contributed to the elevated expectations surrounding her performance in this milestone event. As fans and analysts watched, Kasatkina demonstrated why she was considered a leading contender, balancing aggression with strategic shot selection and maintaining poise under pressure as the tournament progressed.
Paula Badosa had not played since the Adelaide tournament in January, where she advanced to the semifinals before withdrawing due to a right thigh injury that also sidelined her from the Australian Open. Her absence in Abu Dhabi marked a continuation of the injury concerns that had interrupted her recent schedule, leaving questions about her early-season readiness and form as she prepared for the next steps in her circuit. The decision to pause competition reflected the ongoing need to manage physical health while aiming for a strong return later in the season.
Muguruza, too, faced circumstances affecting her participation and performance. She had not progressed beyond the early rounds since last September, with her most recent notable result occurring when she exited in the quarterfinals of a Tokyo event. This sequence underscored challenges in maintaining momentum, prompting discussions about adjustments in training, match strategy, and preparation for upcoming tournaments as she sought to regain consistency on the court. The Abu Dhabi event represented another test for her, offering a platform to rebuild confidence and demonstrate the resilience that has defined her career.