Federer And Nadal Confirmed For 2007 Dubai Tennis Championships
- Great rivalry is set to continue in Dubai showdown -
Dubai, UAE, January 8th, 2007: Dubai will once again take centre stage in international sport following the confirmation by Dubai Duty Free that the top two tennis players on the ATP Tour will square up at the 2007 Dubai Tennis Championships.
The return appearance of tennis superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who played a blockbuster final in last year’s Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open, further underlines the UAE as a destination that consistently attracts the leading tennis players in the world.
The Dubai Tennis Championships, which includes the Dubai Duty Free Women’s Open played back-to-back with the Men’s Open from the 19th February – 3rd March 2007, continues to grow, and last year saw more spectators than ever before enjoy watching the greatest players in the world in action at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.
“The tournament is not only one of the leading sporting events to be held in Dubai, but it is also acknowledged by the players as one of the most enjoyable tournaments in the world with its combination of strong competition in a relaxing environment,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, the event owners and organizers.
The prestigious ATP event, which since it’s beginning in 1993 has attracted almost every top name to Dubai, is destined to once again delight tens of thousands of fans as Federer and Nadal battle it out for one of the most sought-after titles in the game. The Men’s week is preceded by the women’s week, which is also expected to attract the top players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
A record 125,000 fans attended the 2006 Championships, which culminated in Nadal stunning defending champion Federer 2-6 6-4 6-4. That victory continued a remarkable domination by the dynamic young Spaniard against a player dubbed ‘the best ever’, as he added to his 2005 French Open triumph and then went on to defeat Federer in Monte Carlo, Rome and again at Roland Garros.
Federer then halted Nadal’s run of five straight victories over him by holding off his challenge in the Wimbledon final and then beating him again in the semi-finals of the Masters Cup in Shanghai. Now the stage is set for their enthralling rivalry to continue at a tournament Federer describes as one of the best in the world.
Nadal went away delighted not only with his victory, but the reception he received wherever he went.
“The public was unbelievable with me,” said the Spanish teenager. “Every day the court was full when I played and they supported me a lot and I want to say thank you very much to everybody.
“I already had good memories of Dubai from the last time I was there, and I love it. It’s one of my favourite tournaments. It’s a special place, a city built in the desert. In a few years, if not already, it will be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world.”
McLoughlin is looking forward to welcoming back the world’s top two players.
“We are delighted that two such charismatic personalities are returning to the Dubai Tennis Championships for 2007,” said McLoughlin. “Not only are they both such great champions, but their friendly rivalry sets an example to all, both inside and outside the sport. We are thrilled to welcome them back and anticipate the breathtaking entertainment they are certain to provide for their many fans here in Dubai.”
The Dubai Tennis Championships, now in its 15th year, 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
