Aces announced for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Nine of the world’s top ten female tennis stars will be firing on all cylinders from base-lines right here in Dubai next month.

That’s because the battle for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown will commence on Sunday March 7 – and it’s set to be a barnstormer.

Long one of the UAE’s top sporting events, the two-week festival of tennis begins with the WTA 1000 competition, followed by the men’s tournament a week later.

The best news? A number of fans will be able to catch the action unfold courtside, with limited tickets available to the public as supporters continue their steady return to sports arenas in the wake of the pandemic.

The aces duking it out for the WTA title have amassed a remarkable 18 Grand Slam titles between them, with six former world number ones making up the 2021 roster.

The glittering array of talent is headed by current #1 Ashleigh Barty, who will be making her Dubai debut.

The Aussie star not only won the 2019 French Open and reached the semi-finals last year in her home Grand Slam in Melbourne, but is also a recipient of the Don Award – Australia’s highest sporting honour.

World number two Simona Halep returns as defending champion and will be hoping to become just the third player in the 21-year history of the event to win a third title, having also conquered all challengers in 2015.

Only Justine Henin with four titles and Venus Williams with three have ever managed the feat before.

“We are delighted to welcome back to Dubai so many of the very best players in the world,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and CEO of tournament organisers Dubai Duty Free.

“All of them have given us many moments to remember, and we are thrilled as well to welcome new faces to Dubai and look forward to seeing them demonstrate the skills that have taken them to Grand Slam success and to the top of the rankings.”