Elena Rybakina, the world No. 5, is poised for a challenging journey at the Abu Dhabi Open, as her path to the title may involve facing Grand Slam champions or finalists in every round. Seeded No. 1 in the tournament, Rybakina is granted a first-round bye, setting the stage for an intense competition.
In the second round, Rybakina could potentially meet four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who faces qualifier Danielle Collins in the opening round. The quarterfinals may see a clash with No. 5 seed and 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. A semi-final showdown awaits against 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova, the fourth-seeded player in the top half of the draw.
If all goes according to projections, the Abu Dhabi final is predicted to feature Rybakina against the No. 2 seed and three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur. Notably, Rybakina secured her Grand Slam title in 2022 by defeating Jabeur in the Wimbledon final.
This marks Rybakina’s third appearance at the Abu Dhabi Open. In 2021, she reached the quarterfinals, and after skipping the tournament in 2022, she returned last year as the No. 3 seed. This year, Rybakina is determined to claim the Abu Dhabi title and redeem herself following a surprising second-round exit at the Australian Open, following her victory at the Brisbane International.
As the top-seeded player and favorite for the Abu Dhabi title, Rybakina aims to make a triumphant start to the year and put the disappointing Australian Open result behind her.
