Mauresmo to Compete in Dubai Duty Free Women's Open

- French star joins impressive line-up for 2007 Dubai Tennis Championships

Dubai, UAE, February 16th 2007: The buzz and excitement of the US $3 million Dubai Tennis Championships continued to build today with the announcement former Australian Open winner Amelie Mauresmo has been confirmed for the tournament.

Mauresmo, the current world number three and 2002 Dubai title holder, has received a wild card from event owners and organizers Dubai Duty Free.

The injection of Mauresmo adds to what is already an outstanding field of top stars that are set to play in the Middle East’s showpiece tennis event.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, owners and organizers of the event, said he was delighted with the inclusion of Mauresmo.

“Having Amelie join us again is wonderful news for the tournament and will add even more excitement to what is sure to be a memorable week of women’s tennis,” he said.

“Her inclusion also further confirms how popular this event has become with the world’s leading players and we are absolutely delighted with the line-up we have for this year’s tournament.”

Mauresmo’s inclusion adds to what will be intriguing battle between some of the world’s top players when play gets underway from Monday (February 19th).

Headlining the Dubai Duty Free Women’s Open is defending champion Justin Henin who is in the hunt for her fourth Dubai title.

Also in the mix will be big-hitting Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, Swiss tennis star Martina Hingis and the speedy Patty Schnyder.

Players have already started arriving for the award-winning tournament with Daniela Hantuchova looking in impressive touch during her training session at the Dubai Tennis Stadium today.

Hantuchova returns to Dubai as one of the fastest rising stars on the Tour and carries with her a certain style and glamour that sees her among the true superstars of the game.

And the 23-year-old will be looking to make her mark in Dubai against some of the world’s top players.

Play begins at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on Monday with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event, and continues on 26th February when Spain’s Rafael Nadal begins his title defence alongside three-time former champion Roger Federer, Marcos Baghdatis and teenage star Novak Djokovic.

The Dubai Tennis Championships, now in its 15th year, is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For further information: John Rynehart, Promoseven Sports Marketing,
(T) +9714 3210008; (M) +971 50 55 96795; john.rynehart@promoseven.com