Belinda Bencic, the two-time defending champion, has withdrawn from the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open, a WTA 500 hard-court event held in the Middle East. The Swiss player was set to defend her title this year but had to pull out due to illness, resulting in the loss of 500 ranking points she aimed to retain.
Having secured victories at this tournament in both 2023 and 2025, Bencic was poised to begin her campaign in the second round, benefiting from a first-round bye. She was scheduled to face qualifier Sonay Kartal in her opening match but ultimately could not compete as her health did not permit recovery in time.
Bencic’s Successful History at Abu Dhabi and Recent Form
Bencic first won the Abu Dhabi Open in 2023 by defeating Liudmila Samsonova in the final, marking her eighth career WTA Tour title. She returned in 2025 to claim the title again, overcoming Ashlyn Krueger to earn her ninth career title and her first on tour since returning from maternity leave. These two wins have made the tournament particularly meaningful to her.
Before her withdrawal, Bencic represented Switzerland at the 2026 United Cup, where the Swiss team finished as runners-up after losing to Poland. She also competed at the Australian Open, where she won her first-round match against Katie Boulter but was eliminated in the second round by qualifier Nikola Bartůňková.
Reflecting on her withdrawal, Bencic wrote,
Hi everyone, I am sorry to say I have to withdraw from @mubadalaabudhabiopen due to Illness. I have tried desperately to be ready to play but finally today it was clear I could not. It’s a special tournament that means a lot to me and I have a special place in my heart with the fans. I was excited to defend my title. I look forward to hopefully returning next year to this fantastic event. Thank you for your support!
Bencic wrote.
Upcoming Tournament Plans and Competitive Field
Looking forward, Belinda Bencic is expected to return to competition at the Qatar Open, a WTA 1000 hard-court tournament taking place from February 8 to 14, 2026, at the International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar. This event attracts top talent, including former champions Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, defending champion Amanda Anisimova, as well as Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, Elina Svitolina, and Victoria Mboko.
In 2023, Bencic last appeared in the Qatar Open as the seventh seed. She won her opening match against qualifier Viktoriya Tomova and followed with a victory over wildcard Victoria Azarenka. However, she withdrew from her quarterfinal match against top seed and eventual champion Iga Świątek.
The Impact of Bencic’s Withdrawal on Rankings and Future Competitions
By withdrawing from the Abu Dhabi Open, Bencic forfeits the 500 points she earned as the defending champion, which may affect her world ranking in the near term. This withdrawal, amid an already busy early season schedule including the United Cup and Australian Open, represents a setback but also underscores the challenges athletes face balancing health and competition.
Her candid admission of struggling with illness and determination to return next year highlights her resilience. Fans and analysts alike will watch how she manages her recovery and prepares for upcoming matches, especially at significant events like the Qatar Open. This period will be crucial for Bencic as she attempts to regain momentum and maintain her standing among the world’s elite players.
