Emma Raducanu drew a big name in her Dubai opener as the British tennis star is set to face Maria Sakkari, with the winner of that match likely facing No. 14 seed Karolina Muchova in the second round.
On Friday, it was announced that the 2021 US Open champion received a main draw wildcard for the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai.
For the 22-year-old, this will be her Dubai debut but also a chance to snap her four-match losing streak.
When Raducanu and Sakkari meet, it will be the third time that they will be facing each other.
In their last meeting, the Briton impressively annihilated the former world No. 3 6-2 6-3 in the 2024 Wimbledon third round.
Overall, the world No. 60 has a 2-0 head-to-head against the Greek, having also claimed a 6-1 6-4 win in their 2021 US Open clash.
Emma Raducanu and Maria Sakkari© Tennis Coaching/X – Fair Use
Raducanu had ‘the most fun on the court’ the last time she played Sakkari
After crushing the Greek tennis star on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, the 22-year-old didn’t hide how happy she was.
“I think today was really up there with the most fun I’ve had on the tennis court. I really enjoyed every single moment,” the Briton said after beating the former world No. 3 at Wimbledon.
“I told myself: ‘How many times in your life are you going to get to play in front of a full Centre Court?’
“I think I’m most proud of how I was so focused and determined on every single point and every single moment.
“I knew, playing Maria – she’s a top-10 opponent – I had to battle and fight hard. She’s so tough and has amazing weapons. I kind of saw it as a free swing.
“You just have to play every point like it could be your last.”
Considering how their last match went, Raducanu will probably feel well about her chances against Sakkari in Dubai despite currently riding a four-match losing streak.
Tennis World USA