Emma Raduganu says 'nothing to lose' against Owens Japier

Emma Raduganu says she has 'nothing to lose' against 'home favourites' Ones Jaber

Emma Raduganu has thanked her opponent Ones Japier for taking the two-time Wimbledon finalist Brit 'under her wing'.

Radukanu defeated world number 36 Marie Bouskova in straight sets in her opening round match at the Abu Dhabi Open on Monday.

It was the 21-year-old's top 50 win in almost a year after spending eight months on the sidelines following surgery on both wrists and left ankle.

As a result, Raducanu is now set to play world No.6 Ozzie Japier in a first-ever meeting on the WTA Tour.

The 2021 US Open champion has never beaten a top 10 player before, but appears to be up for the challenge, as well as honing in on the lyrics about Jabur.

„She's definitely a house favorite here, rightfully so,” Raduganu said. „I really like Ann, she was someone who took me under her wing when I was new to the tour.”

No.296 continued, “I'm really looking forward to it because a lot of people have been telling me [during her first-round match], 'Oh, ans, ans, ans!' And I said, 'I'm playing Mary, who's ranked 30th in the world, so it's not going to be an easy match!' But I'm so glad I put myself in this situation and go out with nothing to lose against her.

Although this is the first time the pair have met on the WTA Tour, Jaber beat Raduganu in a three-set exhibition match in Abu Dhabi in 2022.

They will take to the Stadium Court at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open later today as both players bid for the quarter-finals of the WTA 500 tournament.

Busy day in Abu Dhabi ????

[7] Kasatkina vs. Krueger
[6] Hadad Mia vs. Lynette
[3] Zachary vs. Chirstia
[2] Jabir vs. Raduganu@MabadalaADOpen pic.twitter.com/aAUUuHprhH

— wta (@WTA) February 7, 2024

Inside the basement…

Emma Raducanu's performance as Ones Zabiur later today is a very exciting prospect, with many believing the Briton has a real chance of securing her first top 10 win. A lot of that was fueled by Jabur's most recent outing, where she was beaten by 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva and won just two games at the Australian Open. With so many winners and the elegance of the show, we hope the pageant lives up to its hype.

Read next: Holger Rooney reveals he's looking for 'perfect match' after Boris Becker split

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