Elena Rybakina, the defending champion, faced a tough challenge from Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on Thursday. Rybakina outlasted Jabeur in a thrilling third-set tiebreak, securing a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(4) victory. This win marked her sixth consecutive match win at the event and propelled her into the semifinals. The matchup showcased the competitive intensity of both players, particularly when Jabeur surged back from a 4-2 deficit in the third set, ultimately making for a nail-biting finish. Despite Jabeur's impressive 43 winners to Rybakina's 29, it was Rybakina who clinched the vital points when it counted most, concluding the match in just over two hours. 'It was an extremely difficult match. Ons played really well, and we were very close in every game. I’m really happy I managed to win and move on to the next round,' Rybakina remarked on her performance. Now, she looks forward to her semifinal clash against Belinda Bencic, who is also seeking to reclaim her title after a successful return from motherhood. Rybakina’s resilience in this quarterfinal demonstrates her determination to defend her title at the Abu Dhabi Open after her previous victory in 2022.
