Belinda Bencic can make history by becoming the first two-time champion of the WTA Abu Dhabi Open. Meeting her in the final is the unseeded Ashlyn Krueger. The American is bidding to win her second career title. Will she continue her giant-killing run this week or will Bencic’s experience be sufficient? Who will win the fourth WTA 500 tournament of the new season?
WTA Abu Dhabi Final Prediction
Belinda Bencic vs Ashlyn Krueger
Head-to-head: first meeting
In its fourth edition as a WTA tournament, the Abu Dhabi Open could witness its first double champion. Bencic defeated Elena Rybakina in a clash of former and current champions in Friday’s semifinals. The Swiss was absent from the tour when her title was on the line 12 months ago because of pregnancy. Since her return, Bencic has enjoyed a productive spell with good results. But it is in Abu Dhabi that she’s achieved the real breakthrough of her much-anticipated comeback.
Bencic steamrolled through the draw, beating a trio of big hitters in Rebecca Sramkova, Veronika Kudermetova, and Marketa Vondrousova to reach her first Tour-level semifinal of 2025. It was there where she authored her best win post-maternity by knocking out the defending champion Rybakina in three entertaining sets.
Ashlyn Krueger, meanwhile, will contest the first WTA 500 final of her young career. The tall and powerful Texan is the surprise package of the week thanks to a succession of gallant performances. Her most impressive result came in the second round when she earned her third Top 20 win of the season by defeating Daria Kasatkina in three sets. But it was in the semifinal when Krueger’s growing tactical clarity was on display as she outclassed Linda Noskova, a player in her age bracket.
Maternity comebacks can be complicated. So, it would be the feel-good story of the season if Bencic can lift the title. But this is also a momentous occasion for Krueger who has nothing to lose and is capable of disrupting expectations. If the American rises to the occasion as she has done every match during the week, she has a genuine shot at the title.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
