Emma Raducanu was supposed to play
Ons Jabeur last year at the
Mubadala World Tennis Championships but they didn't play.
It was due to Raducanu catching covid days before travelling to the country and she had to give up on playing. The diagnosis derailed her start of the season and it's been a season that never really got on the right track after that.
Jabeur played Bencic at the exhibition and won it with the Tunisian getting a chance to play Raducanu this year. It will be played on December 16th in the Gulf City with both players releasing a statement about the occasion.
Raducanu said:
"I am thrilled to finally be making my debut in Abu Dhabi. I've heard great things about the fans and how supportive they are, and I can’t wait to play in front of them all."
Jabeur added:
“Playing in Abu Dhabi is always exciting. I
had a fantastic experience there in 2021 and I don't want to lose the
opportunity to defend my championship title this year. Aside from the
match itself, I am most excited to see my fans there – I find them
extremely special as they have supported me throughout every competition
I have participated in this year.”