PARIS: Jasmine Paolini will try to accomplish something no one has been able to do in quite some time: defeat Iga Swiatek at the French Open.
The top-seeded Swiatek carries a 20-match Roland Garros winning streak into Saturday’s final against 12th-seeded Paolini.
Play is scheduled to begin in Court Philippe Chatrier at 3 p.m. local time (1300 GMT, 9 a.m. EDT).
Swiatek, a 23-year-old from Poland, is bidding for her third consecutive title in Paris. It would also be her fourth championship in five years at the clay court major and fifth Grand Slam trophy overall.
She is 4-0 in Grand Slam finals so far. She won the US Open in 2022.
Italy’s Paolini will be participating in a major final for the first time at age 28. She had never been past the second round at one of the four most important tennis tournaments until the Australian Open in January.
She also reached the French Open women’s doubles final, which is scheduled for Sunday.
Paolini and Sara Errani will face 2023 US Open singles champion Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova for the doubles title.
Jasmine Paolini will try to stop Iga Swiatek in the French Open women’s final
https://arab.news/7m9ac
Jasmine Paolini will try to stop Iga Swiatek in the French Open women’s final
- Italy’s Paolini will be participating in a major final for the first time at age 28
- Play scheduled to begin in Court Philippe Chatrier at 3 p.m. local time
Rising Turkish and Indonesian stars awarded wildcards for 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Zeyneb Sonmez and Janice Tjen add further international depth to elite WTA 500 field taking part from Jan. 31- Feb. 7 at Zayed Sports City
- Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, is in particularly good form having qualified for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, earlier this month before defeating 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round
ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has confirmed rising Turkish star Zeyneb Sonmez and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen as wildcard entries for the 2026 tournament, adding further global representation to the growing field for the WTA 500 event from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7.
Both players arrive in Abu Dhabi with strong international followings and increasing momentum on the professional circuit, underlining the tournament’s reputation as a platform where emerging talent from across the world competes alongside established stars on one of women’s tennis’ most exciting stages.
Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, is in particularly hot form having qualified for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, earlier this month before stunning 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round and then falling to Yulia Putintseva in a stormy third round, three-set encounter.
Tjen, already one of Indonesia’s most successful players of the professional era and the current world No. 59, has continued her rise through the international ranks with a series of impressive performances across the WTA circuit.
A second-round loser at the Australian Open, the 23-year-old’s wildcard entry reflects both her growing profile and the increasing strength and visibility of tennis in Southeast Asia, a region that continues to produce new talent and passionate fanbases.
The announcements build on a strong list of early confirmations already revealed for the fourth tournament. Defending champion Belinda Bencic (world No. 10) will return to Abu Dhabi as she bids for a third Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2025.
The Olympic gold medallist remains unbeaten at the tournament and returns following a standout comeback season on the WTA Tour.
Rising star Alexandra Eala has also been confirmed, reinforcing the event’s position as a showcase for the next generation of elite women’s tennis.
Tjen said: “I’m really excited to be coming to Abu Dhabi and grateful for the opportunity to compete in such a high-level tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is an event I’ve followed closely, and it means a lot to be able to test myself against some of the best players in the world. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to experiencing the atmosphere in front of the fans.”
Sonmez, aged 23, was similarly thrilled to be included in the elite line-up, adding: “Receiving a wildcard for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a great honor. This tournament brings together an incredible field every year, and I’m proud to represent Turkey on such a prestigious stage, and I’m ready to give my absolute best on the court in Abu Dhabi.”
Nigel Gupta, tournament director at event organizers MARI, said: “Wildcards are an important part of what makes the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open special. They allow us to shine a spotlight on exciting players from different parts of the world while continuing to build a world-class field.
“Janice and Zeyneb both bring strong followings and real competitive quality, and they complement a line-up that already includes established champions and some of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour.”
