The 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will make history by hosting the first-ever dedicated women’s wheelchair tennis event to be staged alongside a standalone WTA tournament, marking a significant step forward for inclusion at the highest level of women’s professional tennis.
While wheelchair tennis has been featured at all four Grand Slams – the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open – since 2007, and has appeared at some combined ATP/WTA events, its integration into a WTA-only tournament programme represents a new milestone for the sport. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open becomes the first WTA-exclusive event to fully embed elite women’s wheelchair tennis into its official competition schedule.
The event will see some of the world’s leading wheelchair tennis athletes compete on a global stage in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the tournament’s evolving commitment to accessibility, representation and opportunity within women’s sport.
The women’s wheelchair tennis competition is organised by VLP Sports, a Spanish sports management company with established experience delivering elite wheelchair tennis events at major international tournaments. The organisation has previously staged wheelchair tennis competitions at the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro and the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah.
The tournament will feature a world-class line-up from the top of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis rankings, with world No. 1 Yui Kamiji of Japan set to compete alongside world No. 2 Aniek van Koot of the Netherlands, world No. 7 Kgothatso Montjane of South Africa and world No. 10 Angélica Bernal of Colombia, bringing some of the sport’s leading athletes to Abu Dhabi.
World number one Yui Kamiji said:
“I am very excited about the opportunity to participate in Abu Dhabi. This is our first attempt at women’s wheelchair tennis, and it must be a very big step not only for us but also for wheelchair tennis. It’s a great honor to be part of it. We look forward to seeing you all and prepare for the best performance.”
Fans attending the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open can expect fast-paced, high-intensity matches that highlight speed, precision and exceptional athleticism. Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as traditional tennis, with the allowance of two bounces, adding an additional strategic dimension that delivers a compelling, world-class spectator experience.
Felipe Quintela, Chief Executive Officer at VLP Sports, said:
“This event represents a historic moment not only for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, but for women’s tennis as a whole. Integrating women’s wheelchair tennis into a WTA tournament is a powerful step forward for true inclusion in our sport.
Bringing the world No. 1 Yui Kamiji to Abu Dhabi, alongside top players such as Aniek van Koot, Kgothatso Montjane and Angélica Bernal, guarantees an exceptional level of competition. Fans can expect thrilling matches and inspiring performances.”
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, said:
“Inclusion is not an add-on for us – it is part of how the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to evolve. Welcoming women’s wheelchair tennis into the tournament programme is a meaningful step that reflects our commitment to accessibility, opportunity and showcasing world-class sport in all its forms. We are proud to provide a global stage for these exceptional athletes alongside the best players on the WTA Tour.”
The inclusion of women’s wheelchair tennis further strengthens the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’s position as one of the most progressive fixtures on the global tennis calendar, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing role in advancing women’s sport through long-term investment, innovation and inclusive sporting experiences.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament continues to deliver a festival-style experience for fans, with free tickets on opening day, a packed programme of off-court activities, and a vibrant atmosphere that extends well beyond match play.
