Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open: when, where and which players are coming to UAE

Event takes place January 5-13 and will start the 2021 WTA Tour season

Australian Open champion and world No 4 Sofia Kenin will headline the field in Abu Dhabi. Getty

Abu Dhabi will host a brand new tournament that will kickstart the 2021 WTA Tour season.

The Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open will provide players an opportunity to prepare for the Australian Open.

Here's all you need to know:

When is the Abu Dhabi WTA Tennis Open?

The tournament takes place from January 5-13 and will act as a warm-up event to the first Grand Slam of the Year - the 2021 Australian Open - which has been pushed back to February 8.

Where is it being held?

Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre will host the capital's first women's Tour-level event.

Which players are coming?

Organisers have confirmed that world No 4 and reigning Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin will headline the field. The American will be joined in the capital by Ukrainian world No 5 Elina Svitolina, No 6 Karolina Pliskova, No 10 Aryna Sabalenka, No 12 Belinda Bencic, No 15 Garbine Muguruza, and American sensation Coco Cauff. Tunisian star Ons Jabeur will also compete.

In total 64 players will compete.

Will spectators be allowed?

At present no fans will be allowed into Zayed Sports City to see the action.

How much prize money?

The WTA have committed $565,530 in prize money.

Will this be an annual event?

For now, the Abu Dhabi tournament is a one-off, coming to the rescue at a challenging time for the sport. The city has long voiced its intention to host a top-level official tournament but no commitments are being made at this time.