Sharapova to face Tomljanovic in Mubadala clash

Abu Dhabi - Australian Fed Cup finalist replaces injured Amanda Anisimova

The opening day of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2019 will record another on-court first when five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova takes on Australian Fed Cup finalist Ajla Tomljanovic on December 19 at the Abu Dhabi's International Tennis Centre.
Not only will the match-up mark Mubadala World Championship debuts for both players, it will also be a first-ever on-court encounter between the pair, who have played more than 1,300 WTA singles matches combined, according to a press release.
The meeting will complete an intriguing end to the opening day of the three-day festival of tennis and entertainment, which runs from Dec. 19-21. It will represent a chance for Tomljanovic to continue her great form which saw her play a leading role in helping Australia reach their first Fed Cup final since 1993.
Tomljanovic will be the first Australian, male or female, to feature at the Mubadala World Championship where she replaces Amanda Anisimova who has picked up an injury.
With more than 300 WTA singles victories to her name, Tomljanovic is seeking to use her Mubadala World Tennis Championship debut as a springboard to a successful 2020 season.
"I've heard amazing things about Abu Dhabi and the championship, and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of this crowd against Maria. It will give the perfect challenge ahead of a big season," said Tomljanovic.
Anisimova is understandably disappointed to miss out on making her championship debut in Abu Dhabi and a chance to play in the UAE capital.
"It's really disappointing to have to withdraw from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. I was looking forward so much to coming to Abu Dhabi and I hope to make the trip in the future," said the 18-year-old.