Former world No.1 Serena Williams will go to Abu Dhabi later this month to play at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship for the second consecutive year.
The 23-time grand slam champion took part in the first ever women’s match to be held in the history event last year. Williams took on Jelena Ostapenko in what was her first competitive match since giving birth to her daughter, losing in three sets. The Exhibition is held at the Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre and has hosted a men’s tournament annually since 2009.
This year, Williams will take on sister Venus. On the WTA Tour the two have played against each other 30 times since the 1998 Australian Open. Including two times this year, where the wins were split between them. Overall, Serena leads their head-to-head 18-12.
“I loved playing in Abu Dhabi last year. I am excited to return to such a beautiful city and to see my fans. This time, I’ll be playing against my sister, so the match will be even more special,” Williams said in a statement.
Williams hasn’t played a match since her loss to Naomi Osaka in the final of the US Open. Since starting her comeback to the WTA Tour in March, the 37-year-old has played in seven tournaments this season. Winning 18 out of 24 matches played. Against top 10 opposition, she produced a win-loss record of 6-4. Williams has been named WTA Comeback Player of the Year.
“We are absolutely thrilled Serena is returning again and her match against her sister – Venus will certainly be one you won’t want to miss.” Said John Lickrish, CEO of FLASH Entertainment.
“We are avid supporters of women in sport and are delighted to welcome both ladies to what is set to be an enthralling and closely fought, championship. The quality of the players this year reiterates MWTC’s importance in the global tennis calendar and its strong heritage of being a fantastic season-opener.”
In the men’s draw, a total of six players will take part. The field is set to feature grand slam champions Novak and Rafael Nadal. Kevin Anderson, who is the defending champion, and Dominic Thiem will also take part.
The 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship will take place between December 27-29. The Williams sisters will play their match on the first day of the event.
