Two-time former champion Venus Williams made a winning start to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday, beating Elena Vesnina 6-3 6-2.
The 2009 and 2010 champion’s victory set up a mouth-watering second round meeting with sixth seed Angelique Kerber or former world number one Ana Ivanovic.
“I definitely don't take for granted any win anymore,” said Williams. “Not that I used to. But now it's even more special, every win. My serve keeps improving pretty much every tournament. That always helps me.
“I think the more matches I'll play, the better I will feel. You know, in moments where I'm controlling the match, the better I will feel in moments where things are close.”
Lucie Safarova claimed an impressive 6-3 7-5 victory over former Australian Open semi-finalist Sloane Stephens, and recent Pattaya winner Ekaterina Makarova overcame a solid challenge from Alisa Kleybanova to win 6-4 6-7 6-4. The reward for the player currently coached by former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina is a second round clash with top seed and world number one Serena Williams.
Carla Suarez Navarro beat Nadia Petrova 6-3 6-2, and Sorana Cirstea defeated 2013 Dubai semi-finalist Roberta Vinci 6-4 6-3.
“Venus Williams demonstrated tonight many of the skills that have made her one of the most exciting players of this century,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Earlier in the day there was also great excitement as Ekaterina Makarova needed nearly three hours to overcome Alisa Kleybanova. It was a perfect beginning of what is certain to be a spectacular week of world class tennis.”
There was a huge surprise in the final round of the qualifying matches when Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 19 Eugenie Bouchard was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Annika Beck.
Others to advance to the main draw were 2013 US Open semi-finalist Flavia Pennetta, who overwhelmed Yvonne Meusburger 6-1 6-3, Karolina Pliskova, who beat Camila Giorgi 7-5 6-2, and Maryna Zanevska recovered from losing the first five games to defeat Mona Barthel 7-6 6-4.
“The qualifying draw was as tough as many main draws that take place on the WTA Tour, with even a Grand Slam semi-finalist failing to survive,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “It took a tremendous effort for the four players to qualify, but their work this week has only just begun as they join a field that includes seven of the world’s Top 10.”
Earlier in the day Lucie Safarova claimed an impressive 6-3 7-5 victory over former Australian Open semi-finalist Sloane Stephens at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday.
It was a match that featured numerous fine rallies, but Stephens lacked aggression and fell victim to Safarova’s greater consistency and more reliable serve.
After the first three games went against serve, Safarova held to lead 3-1 and broke serve again to take the opening set. She also held the upper hand for most of the second set, but still found herself looking at a third as Stephens made a late bid to turn the match around.
Stephens had to fight off two break points at 1-0 and two more which would have left her opponent serving at 5-3, but she then broke Safarova to lead 5-4 and served for the set. But Safarova responded by breaking Stephens to love, and then broke a final time at 6-5 for the match.
Also into the second round is recent Pattaya winner Ekaterina Makarova, who overcame a solid challenge from Alisa Kleybanova to win 6-4 6-7 6-4. The reward for the player currently coached by former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina is a second round clash with top seed and world number one Serena Williams.
Kleybanova, who reached the Top 20 for the first time after reaching the quarter-finals here in 2011, later had to leave the WTA Tour for a long period after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
“We have enjoyed some excellent tennis right from the start of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Lucie Safarova is playing here for the sixth time, and her greater experience clearly played a part in her well-earned win over one of the rising stars of the game, Sloane Stephens.”
There was a huge surprise in the final round of the qualifying matches when Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 19 Eugenie Bouchard was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Annika Beck.
Others to advance to the main draw were 2013 US Open semi-finalist Flavia Pennetta, who overwhelmed Yvonne Meusburger 6-1 6-3, Karolina Pliskova, who beat Camila Giorgi 7-5 6-2, and Maryna Zanevska recovered from losing the first five games to defeat Mona Barthel 7-6 6-4.
“The qualifying draw was as tough as many main draws that take place on the WTA Tour, with even a Grand Slam semi-finalist failing to survive,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “It took a tremendous effort for the four players to qualify, but their work this week has only just begun as they join a field that includes seven of the world’s Top 10.”
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Play in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships began on 17 February with the WTA event, which concludes on 22nd February and features seven of the world’s top 10, including world number one Serena Williams, defending champion Petra Kvitova, former winners Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska, 2011 US Open winner Samantha Stosur and Serbian former world number ones Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic.
Play then continues between 24th February and 1st March with the action-packed ATP tournament that includes defending champion Novak Djokovic, five-time winner Roger Federer, recent Australian Open semi-finalist Tomas Berdych, former US Open winner and recent Sydney champion Juan Martin Del Potro, and charismatic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and operated by Dubai Duty Free, and held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The 2009 and 2010 champion’s victory set up a mouth-watering second round meeting with sixth seed Angelique Kerber or former world number one Ana Ivanovic.
“I definitely don't take for granted any win anymore,” said Williams. “Not that I used to. But now it's even more special, every win. My serve keeps improving pretty much every tournament. That always helps me.
“I think the more matches I'll play, the better I will feel. You know, in moments where I'm controlling the match, the better I will feel in moments where things are close.”
Lucie Safarova claimed an impressive 6-3 7-5 victory over former Australian Open semi-finalist Sloane Stephens, and recent Pattaya winner Ekaterina Makarova overcame a solid challenge from Alisa Kleybanova to win 6-4 6-7 6-4. The reward for the player currently coached by former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina is a second round clash with top seed and world number one Serena Williams.
Carla Suarez Navarro beat Nadia Petrova 6-3 6-2, and Sorana Cirstea defeated 2013 Dubai semi-finalist Roberta Vinci 6-4 6-3.
“Venus Williams demonstrated tonight many of the skills that have made her one of the most exciting players of this century,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Earlier in the day there was also great excitement as Ekaterina Makarova needed nearly three hours to overcome Alisa Kleybanova. It was a perfect beginning of what is certain to be a spectacular week of world class tennis.”
There was a huge surprise in the final round of the qualifying matches when Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 19 Eugenie Bouchard was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Annika Beck.
Others to advance to the main draw were 2013 US Open semi-finalist Flavia Pennetta, who overwhelmed Yvonne Meusburger 6-1 6-3, Karolina Pliskova, who beat Camila Giorgi 7-5 6-2, and Maryna Zanevska recovered from losing the first five games to defeat Mona Barthel 7-6 6-4.
“The qualifying draw was as tough as many main draws that take place on the WTA Tour, with even a Grand Slam semi-finalist failing to survive,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “It took a tremendous effort for the four players to qualify, but their work this week has only just begun as they join a field that includes seven of the world’s Top 10.”
Earlier in the day Lucie Safarova claimed an impressive 6-3 7-5 victory over former Australian Open semi-finalist Sloane Stephens at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday.
It was a match that featured numerous fine rallies, but Stephens lacked aggression and fell victim to Safarova’s greater consistency and more reliable serve.
After the first three games went against serve, Safarova held to lead 3-1 and broke serve again to take the opening set. She also held the upper hand for most of the second set, but still found herself looking at a third as Stephens made a late bid to turn the match around.
Stephens had to fight off two break points at 1-0 and two more which would have left her opponent serving at 5-3, but she then broke Safarova to lead 5-4 and served for the set. But Safarova responded by breaking Stephens to love, and then broke a final time at 6-5 for the match.
Also into the second round is recent Pattaya winner Ekaterina Makarova, who overcame a solid challenge from Alisa Kleybanova to win 6-4 6-7 6-4. The reward for the player currently coached by former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina is a second round clash with top seed and world number one Serena Williams.
Kleybanova, who reached the Top 20 for the first time after reaching the quarter-finals here in 2011, later had to leave the WTA Tour for a long period after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
“We have enjoyed some excellent tennis right from the start of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Lucie Safarova is playing here for the sixth time, and her greater experience clearly played a part in her well-earned win over one of the rising stars of the game, Sloane Stephens.”
There was a huge surprise in the final round of the qualifying matches when Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 19 Eugenie Bouchard was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Annika Beck.
Others to advance to the main draw were 2013 US Open semi-finalist Flavia Pennetta, who overwhelmed Yvonne Meusburger 6-1 6-3, Karolina Pliskova, who beat Camila Giorgi 7-5 6-2, and Maryna Zanevska recovered from losing the first five games to defeat Mona Barthel 7-6 6-4.
“The qualifying draw was as tough as many main draws that take place on the WTA Tour, with even a Grand Slam semi-finalist failing to survive,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “It took a tremendous effort for the four players to qualify, but their work this week has only just begun as they join a field that includes seven of the world’s Top 10.”
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Play in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships began on 17 February with the WTA event, which concludes on 22nd February and features seven of the world’s top 10, including world number one Serena Williams, defending champion Petra Kvitova, former winners Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska, 2011 US Open winner Samantha Stosur and Serbian former world number ones Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic.
Play then continues between 24th February and 1st March with the action-packed ATP tournament that includes defending champion Novak Djokovic, five-time winner Roger Federer, recent Australian Open semi-finalist Tomas Berdych, former US Open winner and recent Sydney champion Juan Martin Del Potro, and charismatic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and operated by Dubai Duty Free, and held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova returns the ball to US's Sloane Stephens during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Venus Williams of the USA in action against Elena Vesnina of Russia during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
US's Sloane Stephens returns the ball to Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Sloane Stephens of the USA in action against Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Mona Barthel of Germany in action against Maryne Zanevska of the Ukraine during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova returns the ball to US's Sloane Stephens during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova returns the ball to US's Sloane Stephens during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova serves the ball to US's Sloane Stephens during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in action against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
US's Venus Williams returns the ball to Russia's Elena Vesnina during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Sloane Stephens of the USA serves in her match against Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic celebrates beating Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic celebrates beating Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic celebrates beating Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in action against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in action against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Sloane Stephens of the USA serves in her match against Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic serves in her match against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in action against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in action against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
US's Venus Williams returns the ball to Russia's Elena Vesnina during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic in action against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Sloane Stephens of the USA serves in her match against Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Sloane Stephens of the USA serves in her match against Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic serves in her match against Sloane Stephens of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Spain's Carla Suarez-Navarro returns the ball to Russia's Nadia Petrova during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Spain's Carla Suarez-Navarro returns the ball to Russia's Nadia Petrova during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Ekaterina Makarova of Russia in action against Allisa Kleybanova of Russia during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Spain's Carla Suarez-Navarro returns the ball to Russia's Nadia Petrova during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Allisa Kleybanova of Russia in action against Ekaterina Makarova of Russia during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Russia's Nadia Petrova returns the ball to Spain's Carla Suarez-Navarro during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Russia's Nadia Petrova returns the ball to Spain's Carla Suarez-Navarro during their match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate, February 17, 2014.
Venus Williams of the USA shakes hands with Elena Vesnina of Russia after winning her first match on day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Serena Williams of the USA gives support to her sister Venus Williams of the USA during her match against Elena Vesnina of Russia on day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai.
Elena Vesnina of Russia in action against Venus Williams of the USA during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Elena Vesnina of Russia in action against Venus Williams during day one of the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17, 2014 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Romania's Sorana Cirstea returns the ball to Roberta Vinci of Italy during their match in the first day of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai, on February 17, 2014.
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Lucie Safarova claimed an impressive 6-3 7-5 victory over former Australian Open semi-finalist Sloane Stephens at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday.
It was a match that featured numerous fine rallies, but Stephens lacked aggression and fell victim to Safarova’s greater consistency and more reliable serve.
After the first three games went against serve, Safarova held to lead 3-1 and broke serve again to take the opening set. She also held the upper hand for most of the second set, but still found herself looking at a third as Stephens made a late bid to turn the match around.
Stephens had to fight off two break points at 1-0 and two more which would have left her opponent serving at 5-3, but she then broke Safarova to lead 5-4 and served for the set. But Safarova responded by breaking Stephens to love, and then broke a final time at 6-5 for the match.
Also into the second round is recent Pattaya winner Ekaterina Makarova, who overcame a solid challenge from Alisa Kleybanova to win 6-4 6-7 6-4. The reward for the player currently coached by former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina is a second round clash with top seed and world number one Serena Williams.
Kleybanova, who reached the Top 20 for the first time after reaching the quarter-finals here in 2011, later had to leave the WTA Tour for a long period after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
“We have enjoyed some excellent tennis right from the start of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Lucie Safarova is playing here for the sixth time, and her greater experience clearly played a part in her well-earned win over one of the rising stars of the game, Sloane Stephens.”
There was a huge surprise in the final round of the qualifying matches when Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 19 Eugenie Bouchard was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Annika Beck.
Others to advance to the main draw were 2013 US Open semi-finalist Flavia Pennetta, who overwhelmed Yvonne Meusburger 6-1 6-3, Karolina Pliskova, who beat Camila Giorgi 7-5 6-2, and Maryna Zanevska recovered from losing the first five games to defeat Mona Barthel 7-6 6-4.
“The qualifying draw was as tough as many main draws that take place on the WTA Tour, with even a Grand Slam semi-finalist failing to survive,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “It took a tremendous effort for the four players to qualify, but their work this week has only just begun as they join a field that includes seven of the world’s Top 10.”
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Play in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships began on 17 February with the WTA event, which concludes on 22nd February and features seven of the world’s top 10, including world number one Serena Williams, defending champion Petra Kvitova, former winners Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska, 2011 US Open winner Samantha Stosur and Serbian former world number ones Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic.
Play then continues between 24th February and 1st March with the action-packed ATP tournament that includes defending champion Novak Djokovic, five-time winner Roger Federer, recent Australian Open semi-finalist Tomas Berdych, former US Open winner and recent Sydney champion Juan Martin Del Potro, and charismatic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and operated by Dubai Duty Free, and held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
It was a match that featured numerous fine rallies, but Stephens lacked aggression and fell victim to Safarova’s greater consistency and more reliable serve.
After the first three games went against serve, Safarova held to lead 3-1 and broke serve again to take the opening set. She also held the upper hand for most of the second set, but still found herself looking at a third as Stephens made a late bid to turn the match around.
Stephens had to fight off two break points at 1-0 and two more which would have left her opponent serving at 5-3, but she then broke Safarova to lead 5-4 and served for the set. But Safarova responded by breaking Stephens to love, and then broke a final time at 6-5 for the match.
Also into the second round is recent Pattaya winner Ekaterina Makarova, who overcame a solid challenge from Alisa Kleybanova to win 6-4 6-7 6-4. The reward for the player currently coached by former French Open champion Anastasia Myskina is a second round clash with top seed and world number one Serena Williams.
Kleybanova, who reached the Top 20 for the first time after reaching the quarter-finals here in 2011, later had to leave the WTA Tour for a long period after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
“We have enjoyed some excellent tennis right from the start of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Lucie Safarova is playing here for the sixth time, and her greater experience clearly played a part in her well-earned win over one of the rising stars of the game, Sloane Stephens.”
There was a huge surprise in the final round of the qualifying matches when Australian Open semi-finalist and world number 19 Eugenie Bouchard was beaten 6-1 6-4 by Annika Beck.
Others to advance to the main draw were 2013 US Open semi-finalist Flavia Pennetta, who overwhelmed Yvonne Meusburger 6-1 6-3, Karolina Pliskova, who beat Camila Giorgi 7-5 6-2, and Maryna Zanevska recovered from losing the first five games to defeat Mona Barthel 7-6 6-4.
“The qualifying draw was as tough as many main draws that take place on the WTA Tour, with even a Grand Slam semi-finalist failing to survive,” said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak. “It took a tremendous effort for the four players to qualify, but their work this week has only just begun as they join a field that includes seven of the world’s Top 10.”
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Play in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships began on 17 February with the WTA event, which concludes on 22nd February and features seven of the world’s top 10, including world number one Serena Williams, defending champion Petra Kvitova, former winners Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska, 2011 US Open winner Samantha Stosur and Serbian former world number ones Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic.
Play then continues between 24th February and 1st March with the action-packed ATP tournament that includes defending champion Novak Djokovic, five-time winner Roger Federer, recent Australian Open semi-finalist Tomas Berdych, former US Open winner and recent Sydney champion Juan Martin Del Potro, and charismatic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and operated by Dubai Duty Free, and held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
