Emma Raducanu to make Dubai debut against two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Maria Sakkari

DUBAI: The official draw for the 25th WTA 1000 event at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships served up some intriguing first-round clashes, with the tie of the round pitching former US Open champion Emma Raducanu against Greek former World No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Maria Sakkari.

Tunisian ace Ons Jabeur, meanwhile, will take on American Peyton Stearns in the opening round. With the full draw completed during Saturday’s ceremony at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the stage is set for a week of world-class women’s tennis with 36 of the top 40 players scheduled to take to the courts in Garhoud.

Raducanu, who received a wildcard for the event, is making her Dubai debut and aims to extend her winning run over Sakkari, having previously defeated the Greek No. 1 in the 2021 US Open semi-final on route to her maiden Grand Slam title before following that up with a comprehensive straight sets victory to reach the last 16 of Wimbledon last year.

The 25th anniversary WTA 1000 event will be held from Feb. 16-22 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, with a star-studded line-up featuring nine of the world’s top 10 and 17 of the top 20 players, including reigning champion Jasmine Paolini. The top eight seeds all received first-round byes in Saturday’s draw.

“This year marks the 25th edition of the women’s tournament, which has permanent 1000 status. The competition has grown significantly alongside the men’s ATP 500 event, which celebrates its 33rd anniversary next week,” Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free and chairman of the tournament organising committee, said. 

“As always, the WTA week draws the world’s top female athletes, and this year is no different. We look forward to