Clijsters to face Muguruza in thrilling Day 1 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters makes her much-anticipated return to professional tennis in Dubai after a seven-year hiatus.

The former world No.1 faces a tough test in recent Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza in her opening round match. Although the Belgian was drawn to face St. Petersburg champion Kiki Bertens, the Dutchwoman's withdrawal sees her facing Muguruza instead.

This will be Clijsters first-ever match in Dubai and also against Muguruza, who has been in excellent form to start the season.

American Amanda Anisimova faces Czech Barbora Strycova, whom she leads 1-0 in career meetings. The young American has been touted as the future of women's tennis in the USA, but has her work cut out for her with the emergence of Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.

Another American to watch out for is Alison Riske, she takes on Australian Open quarterfinalist Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian surpassed all expectations by progressing far in the tournament before losing to eventual champion Kenin.

Czech Marketa Vondrousova faces Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, who is coming off a victory over Serena Williams in the Fed Cup qualifiers. Although Vondrousova leads 1-0 in career meetings, the Latvian's recent exploits are not to be overlooked.

Belgium's Elise Mertens meets China's Qiang Wang, a recent quarterfinalist at the GSB Thailand Open. Wang in fact leads Mertens 2-1 in head-to-head meetings, although each match has gone three sets.

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