Serena Williams will face Jelena Ostapenko in an exhibition match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, December 30.
The showdown, between two Grand Slam champions, will take place at 17:00 at Zayed Sports City.
It is the first time a women’s tennis match will be staged at the Abu Dhabi showpiece.
Ostapenko stunned Simona Halep to win the French Open last June.
Williams will be making her first appearance since becoming a mother.
For the first time in the history of #MWTC, we’re bringing you two of the world’s best female players! #MWTC10 will see 23-time Grand Slam champion @serenawilliams making her comeback against the 2017 #rolandgarros Champion Jelena Ostapenko, as they play each other on Day 3! pic.twitter.com/S3uWvxkpa5
— MWTC (@MubadalaTennis) December 24, 2017
“I am delighted to be returning to the court in Abu Dhabi for the first time since the birth of my daughter in September,” said Williams.
“The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has long marked the beginning of the men’s global tennis season and I am excited and honoured to be making my comeback as part of the first women to participate in the event. I look forward to seeing the fans in Abu Dhabi at the 10th edition of the Championship very soon.”
Ostapenko is ranked No. 7 in the world and has never faced Williams on the professional circuit.
“I am thrilled to be playing in Abu Dhabi at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. This will be the first time that women have taken part in the event and it is a huge honour to be part of that history after watching the tournament for many years. Last season was really incredible for me and I cannot wait to continue the start of my new season at such an amazing event,” said the 20-year-old Latvian.
Ticket holders for day 3 can attend Williams’ match. Tickets for the MWTC are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastores across the UAE.
