Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: Exciting Matchups Await
Tennis enthusiasts in Dubai are gearing up for an exhilarating experience as the ATP500 tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships approaches. The recent Official Draw unveiled a series of thrilling first-round matches that promise to deliver both quality and excitement.
Stars on the Court: Top Players Await Their Fates
Among the 32-player draw, notable names include Canadian ace Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is the top seed and looking to reclaim his glory after finishing as the runner-up to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas last year. Auger-Aliassime kicks off his 2026 campaign against China’s Zhizhen Zhang, a match that undoubtedly adds an intriguing dynamic to the early rounds.
On the opposite side of the bracket, second seed Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan will face a qualifier, keeping fans on the edge of their seats regarding who he will square off against. British player Jack Draper, seeded fourth, and seventh-seed Karen Khachanov will also be up against qualifiers in their opening matches.
A Clash of Champions
The spotlight will shine brightly on unseeded former champions Ugo Humbert and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom have previously triumphed in Dubai—Humbert in 2024 and Tsitsipas in 2025. Their first-round clash has already generated buzz, filling the venue with gasps from tournament officials, sponsors, and the international media present at the draw. ATP players like Benjamin Hassan and Arther Rinderknech also expressed their anticipation, sharing knowing glances at the prospect of this fierce matchup.
A Tough Task for Hassan
Lebanon’s Benjamin Hassan, currently ranked World No. 287, faces a formidable challenge in his first match against Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka, who won the Dubai title a decade ago. Hassan made history as the first singles tennis player to represent Lebanon at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and recently marked his Grand Slam main draw debut at the French Open.
“I have nothing to lose,” Hassan remarked, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “It’s going to be a tough match against a Grand Slam champion. But I plan to play freely.” At age 31, Hassan expresses excitement about competing against a player with Wawrinka’s experience and skill. “I want to enjoy the experience, give it my all, and fight until the end,” he noted.
Matches to Watch in the Round of 32
The draws also include some mouthwatering matchups to keep fans engaged. Third seed Daniil Medvedev, last year’s winner, will face Juncheng Shang from China. Fifth seed Andrey Rublev, the 2022 champion, is set to take on France’s Valentin Royer, while sixth seed Jakub Mensik squares off against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. Additionally, eighth seed Jiri Lehecka will face France’s Arthur Fils, and Rinderknech, fresh off reaching his first ATP Masters final last season, is up against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan.
Tournament Insights and Wild Card Announcements
The Official Draw event was overseen by ATP Supervisor Ahmed Abdel-Azim, alongside key figures like Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, and influential members from the UAE Tennis & Padel Federation. Notably, Cidambi remarked on the success of the recent WTA1000 week, which saw a significant increase in ticket sales and audience turnout.
Tournament Deputy Managing Director Salah Tahlak announced three wild card entries, which include Hassan, Wawrinka, and Tunisia’s Moez Echargui, currently ranked World No. 139. Tahlak expressed hopes that these players serve as inspirations for young athletes across the Arab world.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
The 34th edition of the ATP event runs from February 23 to 28 and features some of the world’s top male players, including five former champions. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, organized by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, promises to be a highlight in the tennis calendar.
Tickets for the 2026 Championships are already on sale, starting at Dh65. Fans can get all the details and purchase tickets at dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or on ticketmaster.ae.
As the tournament draws nearer, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable week of tennis in Dubai.
