Zhang Shuai eyes Abu Dhabi Open crown

Australian Open champion Zhang Shuai at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. ARCHIVE

Just days after lifting her third Grand Slam doubles trophy at the Australian Open, China’s Zhang Shuai has landed in the UAE with one goal in mind: more silverware. The 37-year-old returns to compete at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, where she has already enjoyed remarkable success. “I’m so happy to be back,” Zhang said. “The first time I played here in Abu Dhabi in 2023, I won the doubles tournament. Then last year I made it to the final.” She added with a smile: “The trophy is so beautiful, which is why I had so much motivation to come back here for a third time.” Zhang will partner Spain’s Cristina Bucsa against Ukrainian twins Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok on Wednesday (February 4) at 11am on Stadium Court. The 19-time WTA title winner believes Mubadala-backed tournaments bring her luck. Last summer, she captured the Mubadala Citi DC Open doubles crown alongside Taylor Townsend in a commanding 48-minute final. “When I won in DC, people were asking if I was coming to Abu Dhabi in January,” she said. “I said, ‘Of course! Are you crazy?’ This is a tournament you must play in.” The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues through February 7, blending elite WTA 500 competition with youth development programmes and its first wheelchair tennis invitational. Tickets are available via Platinumlist. ICA/Expat Media