Jabeur set to make history as first Arab to play in Mubadala Tennis Championship

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ons Jabeur, the highest-ranked Arab player ever, has joined the star-studded line-up for the 13th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.

Jabeur will make history as the first Arab to play in the championship when she takes to the court on Thursday.

Jabeur, from Tunisia, who reached a career-high ranking of World No.7 last month, will face Tokyo Olympics singles gold medallist Belinda Bencic in the headline women's match on Thursday, opening day of the three-day festival that runs from December 16–18.

Jabeur replaces US Open winner Emma Raducanu, who withdrew from the Championship after testing positive for COVID-19 upon arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Championship organisers also confirmed US No.1 Taylor Fritz and British No. 2 Dan Evans will feature in the much-anticipated men's draw.

Jabeur, Africa's No.1, has enjoyed a strong season, reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and winning her maiden WTA title by defeating Daria Kasatkina at the Birmingham Classic, making history as the first Arab to win a WTA Tour event.

“I am proud and honoured to be the first Arab woman to play the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. 2021 has been a terrific year for me and I know that the Championship is the best start to an exciting 2022 season.

“Abu Dhabi is a major sports destination and has always felt special to me, every time I come, I am grateful and amazed by the incredible welcome and support of the people. I look forward to bringing my A-game to the court and putting on the best show possible for Abu Dhabi tennis fans,” said Ons Jabeur.

Fritz, who currently has a career high ranking at World No.23, is the first American to play at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship since Andy Roddick and James Blake in 2009.

He will play World No.14 Denis Shapovalov in the opening match on Day 1.

“Playing in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, with such a strong line-up, gives me a great chance to start my 2022 season against the best and test myself. I look forward to making my debut in the Championship and meeting everyone in Abu Dhabi”, said Fritz.

Fritz replaces Casper Ruud, who has been ruled out through injury.