Raducanu pulls out of Mubadala World Tennis Championship after testing positive for COVID-19

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

US Open champion Emma Raducanu will miss this week’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi after testing positive for Covid-19.

Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a major when she triumphed at Flushing Meadows in September, was due to face Olympics singles gold medallist Belinda Bencic at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship which is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from Dec.16-18.

"I was very much looking forward to playing in front of the fans here in Abu Dhabi, but unfortunately after testing positive for COVID-19, I will have to postpone until the next opportunity," Raducanu said.

"I'm isolating as per rules and hopefully will be able to get back soon."

Organisers said that they are looking at "alternative top female competitors" to replace Raducanu at the event.

Men's world number six Rafael Nadal and last year's US Open winner Dominic Thiem are set to return from their injury layoffs in Abu Dhabi.

Britain's Andy Murray, Russian Andrey Rublev, Norway's Casper Ruud and Canadian Denis Shapovalov will also participate in the event before the 2022 competitive season kicks off in Australia.

The three-day festival brings one of the strongest line-ups in the Championship’s history for a series of elimination matches and quality entertainment on and off court at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.

Whether it is an opportunity to ace the festive season or serve up the perfect gift, there are only a few days to secure those seats as the Arabian Gulf’s leading professional tennis experience makes a welcome return with full capacity.