Simunyu eyes top 100 WTA rankings after making history
DUBAI: Teenage prodigy Celine Simunyu has set her sights on reaching the top 100 of the WTA rankings ater becoming the first Irish female player to receive a wildcard for the qualifying rounds of a WTA event.
Simunyu, the number one ranked Irish women’s tennis player, put in a valiant display on Court 7 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium as she was beaten in straight sets by World No. 61 Cristina Bucsa on Friday aternoon.
Currently ranked 633 in the WTA rankings, Simunyu intends to make a big impression on the WTA Tour – and sooner rather than later. Speaking ater her maiden appearance at the tournament, the 19-year-old said: “It was so exciting to come and play in Dubai. The overall experience was great.”
“It was a proud moment representing my country and making history. This is just the start. My target is to get into the women’s top 100. I am working very hard towards this target and hope to achieve it in the near future.”
The 2024 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships men’s tournament is preceded by the 24th edition of the annual WTA event – recently awarded permanent WTA 1000 status - which will continue to take place one week before the ATP event.
The women’s competition will run between February 18 and 24, before the 32nd staging of the ATP Tour 500 tournament from February 26 to March 2.
KREJCIKOVA, OSAKA PULL OUT: Reigning Dubai champion Barbora Krejcikova and fourtime Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka have withdrawn from this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, tournament organisers have confirmed.
“We regret to inform you that Barbora Krejcikova and Naomi Osaka have pulled out of this year’s tournament. We wish both players the best of luck for the rest of the 2024 season and look forward to seeing both players return to Dubai in the near future,” an official statement read.
Krejcikova, who defeated World No1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets in last year’s final to lit her maiden Dubai title, will sit out this year’s WTA 1000 event owing to an ongoing back issue.
The 28-year-old, also a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has had a good start to the season, reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open before losing to eventual winner Aryna Sabalenka.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the Dubai tournament,” the World No. 12 said.
“This decision wasn’t easy, especially given my fond memories and anticipation to compete again. However, my back injury requires further healing time. But I am commited to returning stronger next year.”
“I’m really sorry that I have to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this season,” Osaka said on her absence from this year’s competition.