Emma Raducanu Makes Dubai Tennis Championships Debut Following Wildcard Entry
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Synopsis
Emma Raducanu is gearing up for her first Dubai Tennis Championships appearance, having received a wildcard entry for the WTA 1000 event scheduled from February 16 to 23. Tournament director Salah Tahlak expresses excitement over her participation.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Raducanu makes her Dubai debut.
- She received a wildcard for the WTA 1000 event.
- The tournament runs from February 16 to 23.
- Top players including Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will compete.
- Last year’s champion, Jasmine Paolini, will defend her title.
Dubai, Feb 14 (NationPress) Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, is poised to make her debut at the Dubai Tennis Championships after receiving a wildcard for the WTA 1000 event, which will take place from February 16 to 23.
Currently ranked No. 60 globally, Raducanu recently participated in both the Qatar Open and Abu Dhabi Open after accepting wildcard entries into the main draw but was eliminated in the first round in both tournaments. She made it to the last 32 at the Australian Open in January, where she lost in straight sets to five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.
“It’s wonderful to have Emma competing in the WTA Tour event in Dubai for the first time. Her exceptional talent is evident, and we eagerly anticipate seeing her perform at this year’s Championships,” commented tournament director Salah Tahlak.
This year, the event will showcase the world’s top 10 women players as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The field is headlined by World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is returning to Dubai for the ninth time.
American Madison Keys will also make her return after winning her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open by defeating World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who will also be competing.
The 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff, currently ranked No. 3, is set to participate for the fourth time, alongside her fellow Americans Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, who are ranked No. 6 and No. 9, respectively.
Last year’s champion in Dubai, Jasmine Paolini, will embark on her title defense, aiming to build on her best season yet. Paolini had a breakout year in 2024, securing her first WTA 1000 title, finishing as runner-up at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and winning a gold medal in doubles at the Paris Olympics.
Completing the top 10 seeds for this year’s event are Olympic champion World No. 8 Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, who marks her fourth appearance at the tournament this year.
