Emma Raducanu has a tough opening match in Abu Dhabi (Image: Getty)
is set to face Marketa Vondrousova in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open.
The Brit was set to compete in qualifying at the last minute. She was then drawn to face the 2023 champion.
Vondrousova has faced several injury setbacks over the last few months. But it’s bad news for Raducanu, as the Czech star is finally feeling healthy and ready to compete.
The world No. 37 is continuing her comeback after shutting down her 2024 season in the summer due to a hand injury. Vondrousova returned in Adelaide last month but hurt herself again during her second-round match.
The 25-year-old was in tears as she retired from the match and left the court. Vondrousova also missed the .
But she’s back in action in Abu Dhabi this week, where she faces Raducanu in a first-round contest between two Grand Slam champions.
While Vondrousova knows the British No. 2 will be a difficult opponent, she’s finally feeling pain-free and is ready to prove herself.
Marketa Vondrousova is feeling healthy after months of injury setbacks (Image: Getty)
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“It’s tough but it’s nice to know who you’re playing against first. I expect a tough match. She’s a great player. I hope it’s going to be a good one,” the former champion told .
Giving an update on her physical fitness, Vondrousova added: “I actually felt great in Australia in the first matches and then I got injured.
“I didn’t play for a couple of weeks but now I feel good, I’m healthy so I hope I’m going to stay healthy and play good tennis.”
After spending the better part of six months on the sidelines, the Czech player will be keen to prove herself. The former world No. 6 has already enjoyed success in the doubles draw in Abi Dhabi.
Vondrousova joined forces with countrywoman Laura Samsonova to beat Magda Linette and Sofia Kenin 6-4 6-1.
It’s an ominous sign for Raducanu, who is set to face Vondrousova on Tuesday in the singles competition.
The Brit won her first-ever match against the world No. 35 when they met at in 2021. Raducanu was an 18-year-old wildcard ranked outside the top 300 at the time. She beat Vondrousova en route to the second week.
A few months later, Raducanu faced Vondrousova on the clay courts in Prague for a Billie Jean King Cup tie, where she was thumped 6-1 6-1.