DUBAI, February 17, 2019 (Press Release)

One of the most spectacular line-ups ever is promising an unforgettable week of tennis as play in the WTA week of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships gets underway today, and at just 55dhs per day for the first four days the tickets offer terrific value for money.

Action in the tournament commences one day earlier this year, with the first day’s play today. The WTA Tournament this year has Premier 5 status, and as such the draw has been expanded from 32 to 64, meaning even more of the world’s best players will be hitting the courts.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of tournament owners and organizers Dubai Duty Free is delighted with the line-up of players competing in Dubai this year, “The women’s field is one of the best you will see outside of a Grand Slam, with the likes of tennis’ new superstar – US Open and Australian Open champion and new world number one – Naomi Osaka, facing five former world number ones – Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki, to name just a few of the superstars who will be in action next week.

“We are also looking forward to seeing our two-time defending champion Elina Svitolina bid for a history making third consecutive title, and former Dubai title holder Petra Kvitova back in action.”

Tennis fans are expected to flock to the stadium to witness the spectacular matches, as well as enjoying the packed social program. As always, the Tennis Village will be buzzing all fortnight with entertainment, music, autograph signings, the big screens showing the action live and a host of other events and activities including Kids’ Days, and plenty of competitions for fans to win those sought after finals tickets. The popular restaurants in both the Irish Village and Century Village will again be offering a wide variety of dining options, along with the food court and stadium food outlets to ensure there’s something for all tastes and budgets.

Tournament Director Salah Tahlak said “Tennis fans will be able to see some fantastic tennis right from the first day of the tournament, and with the tickets for the first four days of women’s week and the first three days of men’s week days selling for only 55dhs, sports fans could not get better value for money anywhere. As always, entry for Courts 1, 2 and 3 is free, so even those without a grandstand ticket can still see top players on the outer courts during the first three days of the tournament.”

And to make access to the stadium easier, all tournament ticket holders can use the free Park N’ Ride service to and from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium throughout the Championships. The Park N’ Ride carpark is free and is located at the parking area in Garhoud, opposite the stadium. The service begins one hour before the matches, with the shuttle bus operating every 5-10 minutes on demand. 

Spectators can also choose to take the Metro to the GGICO Metro Station in Garhoud, with a free shuttle bus service to and from the stadium. 

In addition, in a new service this year the tournament has partnered with Careem to offer spectators a 50% discount on all rides to and from Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium by using the Promocode – DDFTennis.

The sensational week of women’s tennis will be followed by an equally thrilling men’s event headed by seven-time champion Roger Federer, Australian Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, defending champion and recent Doha winner Roberto Bautista Agut, former US Open winner Marin Cilic and two-time finalist Tomas Berdych.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which is owned and organised 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. Staged at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Garhoud, the action will commence on today with the WTA Premier 5 event, followed on 25 February with the ATP 500 tournament offering a combined prize pool of US$5.4 million.

Tickets are available online at www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com and from the Stadium Box Office.