Emma Raducanu has taken a 13th wild card in her 18th tournament since the start of last year after receiving an invitation to the Dubai Duty Free Championships, one of the strongest events on the WTA Tour.

Ranked No60 in the world and on the worst losing run of her professional career after four consecutive defeats, Raducanu had the option of contesting the qualifying draw against lower-ranked opposition this weekend. This would have given her an easier start and the opportunity to string some wins together rather than potentially facing the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek first up.

Raducanu, however, is sticking with the approach she has followed ever since she returned from surgery in January last year, having received a main-draw invite