Clara Tauson and Sara Bejlek Set for First-Time WTA Semifinal Clash in Abu Dhabi

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open semifinals are set after Clara Tauson and Sara Bejlek secured their places in the final four on February 6, 2026. The third-seeded Tauson defeated McCartney Kessler 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals, while Czech qualifier Bejlek continued her remarkable run with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Sonay Kartal. The semifinal matchup between Tauson and Bejlek marks a significant milestone for both players, with Bejlek reaching her first-ever WTA semifinal and Tauson seeking her first semifinal appearance since Montreal last year.

Tauson has been in commanding form throughout the tournament, advancing to the semifinals without dropping a single set. The Danish player defeated Simona Waltert in the Round of 16 before her clinical performance against Kessler in the quarterfinals. Tauson's powerful baseline game and improved consistency have been key factors in her success this week. Her 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kessler showcased her ability to maintain pressure throughout the match, breaking serve at crucial moments to secure her place in the semifinals. The third seed has demonstrated the form that saw her break into the top 30 of the WTA rankings and will be looking to capture her first title of 2026.

Bejlek's journey to the semifinals has been nothing short of sensational, with the Czech qualifier playing the tournament of her life in the UAE. After coming through the qualifying rounds, Bejlek has defeated Ashlyn Krueger, former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, and Sonay Kartal without dropping a set. Her 6-0, 6-2 demolition of Kartal in the quarterfinals was particularly impressive, as Bejlek dominated from start to finish with aggressive returning and precise groundstrokes. The 19-year-old's fearless approach and willingness to take the ball early have troubled more experienced opponents all week.

The other semifinal will feature fourth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova against breakthrough performer Hailey Baptiste. Alexandrova advanced with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Alexandra Eala, while Baptiste completed her third three-set marathon of the week, defeating fifth seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Baptiste's resilience and fighting spirit have been hallmarks of her campaign, and like Bejlek, she is competing in her first WTA semifinal. The Abu Dhabi tournament has provided a platform for emerging talents to make their mark on the tour.

Predictions favor Tauson to advance to the final, with analysts giving her approximately a 62 percent chance of defeating Bejlek based on their respective rankings and recent form. However, Bejlek's confidence will be sky-high after her dominant performances throughout the week, and as a qualifier with nothing to lose, she could prove to be a dangerous opponent. Tauson holds the experience advantage at this level, but Bejlek's momentum and aggressive style could cause problems for the Danish player if she can maintain her high level of play.

The semifinals represent a golden opportunity for both players to reach their first WTA 500 final, with the tournament also making history by hosting the first-ever wheelchair tennis event at a WTA 500 tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has been a showcase for rising talent on the women's tour, and Friday's semifinals promise high-quality tennis as four players compete for a spot in Saturday's final. For Tauson, it's a chance to prove she belongs among the tour's elite, while for Bejlek, it's an opportunity to announce her arrival as a genuine threat on the WTA circuit.