Dubai Tennis Championships Set for Star-Studded 25th Anniversary

Dubai, U.A.E. – The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are poised to commence their 25th edition, featuring 27 of the world’s top 30 players according to the PIF WTA Rankings. The event, a prestigious outdoor hard-court competition, will run from February 16 to February 22, launching with main-draw play on the 16th. This year, the tournament boasts a total prize purse of over $3.6 million.

The singles champion will earn $597,000 and 1,000 ranking points, adding significant value to this celebrated event. Key dates for the championships include the main-draw ceremony on February 15 and qualifying rounds held from February 14 to 15.

“The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has become a staple in the WTA calendar,” said tournament director Sinead O'Connor. “Our milestone 25th year reflects the evolution of women’s tennis and our commitment to showcasing talent at its highest level.”

Among the top seeds this year are Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jasmine Paolini. Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1, will look to leverage her powerful game as she competes for the title she has yet to claim in Dubai. Likewise, Swiatek is aiming for another championship after previously dominating the field.

A breakdown of the competition reveals compelling narratives. First-round matches will award 10 ranking points and $16,900 in prize money, escalating to a champion’s bounty of 1000 ranking points and $597,000. Throughout the tournament, players will face increasingly challenging opponents, reflecting the competitive spirit that defines WTA 1000 events.

The Dubai stadium, known for its 5,000-capacity court, has hosted the championships since its inception in 1993, establishing itself as a premier venue in the tennis circuit. “Our venue has a rich history that continues to attract world-class talent year after year,” said O’Connor.

As players prepare for the tournament, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and a showcase of exceptional athleticism, signaling yet another high-stakes competition in the realm of women’s tennis. The draw ceremony, scheduled for February 15, will further shape the landscape of this year’s championships.

After the Dubai event wraps up, the WTA’s calendar will continue with the Sunshine Double, featuring the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open shortly after. Main-draw action in Indian Wells begins on March 5.