Although the most famous sister act cannot meet in Dubai until the semifinals, another family affair took place on Monday at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.
Poland’s Agnieszka and Urszula Radwanska met for the first time today in the United Arab Emirates.
As the older Radwanska sibling is ranked at No. 10 and her younger sister ranked No. 121, the outcome should have been predictable. But Agnieszka arrived in Dubai from a chilly Paris feeling unwell, and she was promptly dispatched 6-4, 6-3.
Despite the score, it was a difficult challenge for Urszula.
“Oh, I thought it was tough. I was trying not to think who was across the other side of the net. It’s always tough to play against a sister, but I’m happy I’m in the second round,” said Urszula.
“But she’s sick and she told me after the match that because of the doubles she was still playing, but if she wouldn’t play today doubles probably she would have retired. So she’s not feeling good.”
Two other sisters played on Monday, but not against each other. First, Kateryna Bondarenko fell to Virginie Razzano 7-5, 6-2, and then Alona took to the same court to defeat Olga Govortsova 6-4, 6-3.
Venus and Serena Williams are both entered into the field at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, but can only meet in the semifinal round.
Well, I’ve seen Agnieszka play Women’s Singles, and seen Urszula play Girls’ Singles, and I think Urszula is the more talented player! (She looks better, too.)
I saw Ula win the Wimbledon Juniors against Madison Brengle (if I recall right)She has far better movement and overall game than Aga. But time will tell