Emma Raducanu will meet Ons Jabeur in a hugely anticipated last 16 clash at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, after the Brit showed her class in what was ultimately a comfortable win over Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova.
Having returned to action at the start of the year following a difficult spell with injuries, Raducanu naturally took some time to find her rhythm, and it was Bouzkova who looked the more assured in the opening stages as she won the first two games.
Slowly but surely, however, the 2021 US Open champion began to get a foothold in the game with a couple of exquisite drop-shots an indication of what was to follow, and when she levelled the first set at 4-4, the balance of the contest swung well and truly in her favour.
Raducanu won the next two games to claim the first set, and from that point onwards there was only ever going to be one outcome.
A dominant display in the second set saw the Brit produce some wonderful tennis which Bouzkova simply had no answer to, and she eventually ran out 6-4, 6-1 winner to book a date with World Number. 6 Jabeur on Wednesday.
On the prospect of facing Jabeur, Raducanu said: “We played here a year ago, just about, at the Mubadala Exhibition and it was a great match for the fans. She’s definitely the home favorite here and rightfully so.
“I really like Ons. She’s someone who’s kind of taken me under her wing as I’ve been new to the tour. I’m really looking forward to it because a lot of people were saying to me, ‘Oh, Ons, Ons, Ons,’ and I was like, I’m playing Maria, who’s ranked like 30th in the world and that’s not an easy match.
“I’m really pleased to put myself in this situation and yeah, I’m going out with nothing to lose against her.”
The day’s opening contest was an all-American affair as Ashlyn Krueger and Bernarda Pera went head-to-head for a place in the last 16.
The duo served up an entertaining spectacle which took three sets to determine a winner, and it was Krueger who eventually prevailed 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
Another three-set thriller followed as Sorana Cîrstea fought back from one set down to overcome Grand Slam semi-finalist Caroline Garcia 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, a contest which ebbed and flowed throughout as both players produced moments of quality.
Krueger and Cîrstea are joined in the last 16 by Beatriz Haddad Maia who defeated China’s Xiyu Wang in straight sets.
Haddad Maia dominated the early stages and took the first set 6-2, but was made to work hard by the three-time junior Grand Slam-winner in the second, which was eventually settled via a tie-break as the Brazilian secured a 6-2, 7-6 victory.
Fans in attendance were treated to another fantastic match on Stadium Court between Daria Kasatkina and Diane Parry as the pair battled for a place in the next round.
After Kasatkina had won a tight first set 6-4, French star Parry rallied and fought back to claim the second 7-5.
The third set followed a similar theme to the previous two, with little separating the players, but it was Kasatkina whose quality ultimately shone through as she clinched it 6-4 to book her place in the next round.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
