Sports & Championship

Four former champions are set to return to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships later this month, renewing rivalries and adding star power to the 2026 edition of one of the ATP Tour’s most established early-season events.

Past winners Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Ugo Humbert, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Al Garhoud from February 23–28, as part of the ATP 500 tournament that follows the city’s WTA 1000 competition scheduled for February 15–21.

Tournament organisers say the presence of multiple former champions underlines the event’s continued appeal among top-ranked players. The men’s draw is expected to feature eight of the world’s top 20 players, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a key stop on the international tennis calendar.

Former World No. 1 Medvedev returns to Dubai for the first time since his title-winning run in 2023, when he defeated Novak Djokovic en route to the trophy. Known for his defensive strength and baseline precision on hard courts, the Russian arrives this season with renewed momentum after claiming a title in Brisbane, marking his 22nd ATP career win.

Rublev, champion in 2022, also rejoins the field with his trademark high-intensity style and aggressive shot-making. The early-season timing and consistent court conditions in Dubai have historically suited his game, and he enters the tournament aiming to add another ATP title to his record.

French left-hander Humbert, who lifted the Dubai trophy in 2024, returns as one of the event’s recent surprise champions. His title run included victories over several higher-seeded opponents and showcased Dubai’s reputation as a tournament where breakthrough performances can emerge alongside established contenders.

Defending champion Tsitsipas completes the quartet of returning winners. The Greek star secured his first ATP 500 title in Dubai after earlier final-round defeats in 2019 and 2020. His victory last season pushed him back into the world top 10, and he now seeks to become the first player since Roger Federer in 2015 to successfully defend the Dubai crown.

This year’s field also includes leading contenders such as top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik and British No. 1 Jack Draper, setting up a competitive draw featuring both proven champions and rising challengers.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships have historically attracted repeat winners, with Federer holding a record eight titles and Djokovic claiming three consecutive trophies between 2009 and 2011. Tournament officials say the regular return of champions reflects the event’s facilities, organisation and player experience.

Tickets for both the WTA 1000 and ATP 500 tournaments are available through Ticketmaster, with entry-level prices starting from Dh65.

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