Dubai Open 2023: Sania Mirza to appear at final international tournament

The legendary career is finally coming to an end.

Sania Mirza will take part in her final international tournament at the 2023 WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships. Mirza announced her retirement at the start of the season while playing at the Australian Open. The Indian number one will pair up with Madison Keys from the USA and is set to take on Kudermetova and Samsanova in the opening round. Also, Madison Keys will be Sania’s third different partner this season (Anna Danilina at Australian Open, Bethanie Mattek Sands at Abu Dhabi Open, and Madison Keys).

Match Details

Date - February 20

Venue - Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, UAE

Time - 05:30 (Round of 32)

Preview

Madison Keys will be playing in the doubles section for the first time in the 2023 season. Sania Mirza, on the other hand, does not have a good record in women’s doubles in 2023. She lost in the season opener at the Adelaide International and in the opening round at Abu Dhabi Open. Also, Madison Keys will be Sania Mirza’s third different partner this season and both have not played much together in the recent past.

Kudermetova and Samsanova pairing hasn't found success in the 2023 season losing in the opening rounds of three previous tournaments (Qatar Open, Australian Open, and Adelaide International). Both Samsanova and Kudermetova predominantly play in the singles section and from the start of 2023 have paired up consistently in all tournaments. Kudermetova was seeded ninth in singles at the Australian Open.

Prediction

Experienced Sania Mirza and Madison Keys hold an upper edge in the opening encounter against the Russian pair. Also, the Russian pair hasn't played many matches together and do not have much experience which can go in Indo-American’s favour.

Ankita Raina was the other Indian to take part in the prestigious event and was awarded a wildcard entry in the qualifiers. Ankita lost to Tomova in the first qualifying round but put up a great fight.  

Where to watch

The 2023 Dubai Open Tennis Championships will be streamed on Tennis TV.