Teenage Sensation Djokovic Lines Up for Dubai Duty Free Men's Open

- Young star ready to take on the heavyweights at Dubai Tennis Championships -

Dubai, UAE, February 10th, 2007: One of the world’s most exciting teenagers will be a strong contender for the Dubai Tennis Championships this month, with Novak Djokovic adding his name to the all-star entry list.

The Serbian is one of the brightest young talents on the ATP Tour, last year capturing two titles and finishing 2006 as the youngest player ranked in the top 20.

With his father, uncle and aunt all professional skiers, it was natural that his family tried to entice him to follow in their footsteps. But Novak excelled at tennis, and at age 12 he left Belgrade to hone his game at Niki Pilic’s academy in Munich for nearly two years. It was time well spent.

Djokovic got off to a great start last season by reaching the semi-finals in Zagreb, and then attracted everyone’s attention by advancing all the way to the quarter-finals of the French Open before having to retire against Rafael Nadal.

Then after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, he claimed the first title of his career in Amersfoort, and the next week reached the Umag final before having to retire in the first set tiebreak with respiratory problems.

A second title came in October in Metz, and he also excelled in Davis Cup competition, winning five of his six matches during the year with his only defeat coming against Roger Federer in a World Group play-off showdown.

And the 19-year old, who took a vacation in Dubai at the end of the season, kept his momentum going into 2007, winning the third title of his career in Adelaide and then reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open where Federer blocked his path once again.

“I have to say I have to be satisfied with all I did in Australia. I feel really positive,” said Djokovic after his loss to Federer in Melbourne. “In the second set I felt that I had an opportunity against him, especially at 5-all. He was struggling a little bit, making some mistakes, and I felt my chance there. Wherever you get to play him, it's always a great experience because you always learn some new things from the matches with him.”

Djokovic will have the opportunity in Dubai to once again test himself against the best, with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer headlining the entries at the $3 million fortnight of top-class tennis action.

“Novak Djokovic is still a new name to many, but at 19 he has already drawn praise from all quarters of the game,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament organisers Dubai Duty Free. “It is always a pleasure to see new talent such as his, and we are sure that he will add great excitement to what already promises to be a spectacular event.”

The Dubai Tennis Championships 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.

Play begins at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on 19th February with defending champion Justine Henin, US Open champion Maria Sharapova and Australian Open champion Serena Williams headlining 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.

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