The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships revealed the participation of Anas Jaber, ranked second in the world, and Novak Djokovic, winner of 21 major tournament titles, in the 31st session of the leading tournament in the region.
The brilliant Tunisian player succeeded in becoming the first Arab player to reach the final of one of the four major tournaments last year when she qualified for the final match of Wimbledon, to reach the final of the US Open, which was held at Flushing Meadows, two months later. Jaber returns to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for the eighth year in a row, after she performed well in the quarter-finals of last year’s tournament before being knocked out by Simona Halep, who won the title twice.
In this context, Anas Jaber said: “I am looking forward to participating in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships again, as playing in Dubai is a special experience for me as an Arab player with great public support. I spent great times in the emirate during the previous years despite not winning.” With the title, which I hope to achieve this year.”
Djokovic, the five-time champion of the tournament, confirmed his participation in the men’s category and joining Spain’s Rafael Nadal, the player most crowned with major tennis titles. The Serbian player returns to Dubai seeking to win his first title in the emirate since 2020, with his aspiration to reduce the difference that separates him from the record for winning the tournament, which is registered in the name of Roger Federer with eight titles.
Novak performed admirably in 2022, achieving his 21st Grand Slam title after winning Wimbledon, breaking his own record by maintaining No. 1 in the ATP rankings for 373 weeks, and winning the Masters 1000 for the 38th time. The first player to achieve 30 or more singles wins in all of the Masters 1000 tournaments.
In turn, Novak Djokovic, winner of the first of his five titles at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in 2009, said: “It is a pleasure to be back in Dubai again, as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships hold a special place for me. I have a long history with the tournament and I was fortunate to play some strong matches against The audience at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, which I look forward to playing on its floor again.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Both Anas and Novak have felt very comfortable in Dubai over the years. Both of them are always interested in returning to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, so we are pleased to announce We look forward to seeing an exciting tournament and two weeks of excitement with Novak and Rafa in the men’s singles category.”
Salah Tahlak, Director of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, said: “Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships fans are used to having the best experiences available. The participation of players with a distinguished global reputation, such as Ons Jaber, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, will certainly make this year’s tournament one of the best. One of the most successful editions of the championship, and we look forward to announcing the full categories of the women’s and men’s championships soon, and hosting a new exceptional tournament.”