Wimbledon Rematch: Elena Rybakina Narrowly Defeats Ons Jabeur At Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

Elena Rybakina is the defending champion of the Abu Dhabi Open, but she was not the fan favorite in her quarterfinal match. That distinction went to the hometown favorite, Tunisian Ons Jabeur.  Rybakina edged out Jabeur in a third-set tiebreaker.  This match was dictated by who served better. Rybakina did in the first set, Jabeur in the second set. Both players produced great serving and shotmaking in the decisive third set.  It stood three match points for Rybakina to secure the win.

Pulling out ALL the stops! 🔥

Elena Rybakina fights her way into the semifinals after defeating Jabeur 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(4). #MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/LOODQc18cm

— wta (@WTA) February 6, 2025

Before today’s match, Elena Rybakina was 2-3 in head-to-head matches against Jabeur. Their last two meetings were at the 2022 and 2023 Wimbledon Championships where the players split the results.

In the 2022 Wimbledon final, Rybakina earned her maiden Grand Slam win in a three-set battle with Jabeur. Jabeur got revenge in the 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinals.

Elena Rybakina’s physical fitness continues to be tested. She had both shoulders taped and struggled at times but played the big points slightly better than Jabeur. Mid-tiebreak, each player had won 101 points in the match. It was that close.

Elena Rybakina Faces Tough Test In Semifinals

New mom Belinda Bencic will play Rybakina in the semifinals.  She is 7-3 in 2025. Rybakina is 1-1 against Bencic in her career, both meetings happened in 2021. Bencic retired a set and a break down in the Chicago WTA 500 quarterfinal.  Rybakina lost a tight three-set match to Bencic at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).  Bencic went on to win Olympic gold which is the biggest win of her career.

On the other side of the draw is the red-hot Ashlyn Krueger who awaits the winner of the Magda Linette and Linda Noskova match.