Stage Set for Dubai Duty Free Men's Open

Dubai, UAE, February 24th, 2007: The stage is set, and the Dubai Tennis Championships is ready to showcase many of the best players in the world as they bid for their share of a stunning $1,500,000 prize money purse.

Wild cards have been awarded to the United Arab Emirate’s number one, Omar Bahrouzyan, who will eagerly be seeking his first win at the event, Kuwait’s promising Mohammed Al Ghareeb, who beat Bahrouzyan last year and then stretched Roger Federer to two tight sets, and Czech Radek Stepanek, winner of the Rotterdam tournament and runner-up at the Masters Series event in Hamburg in 2006.

But many eyes will be on top seeds Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Nadal last year claimed a stunning three-set victory over the world number one and defending champion in a pulsating final, and went on to defeat Federer again in Monte Carlo, Rome and in the Roland Garros final.

Federer then halted Nadal’s run 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 here, 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.”

Although Federer and Nadal are fierce rivals, they are also friends and hold great respect for each other.

“I think he’s a very good person,” said Nadal. “He’s a normal person and that’s not easy when you are a very big star. I think he’s the best sportsman in the world, the best in history.”

While Federer and Nadal headline the 15th staging of the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open, they are certain to face stiff competition from talented opponents such as world number three Nikolay Davydenko, recent Zagreb champion Marcos Baghdatis, Adelaide winner Novak Djokovic, German number one Tommy Haas and amiable Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

“Once again we are delighted to be able to welcome so many of the world’s best players to Dubai,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament organisers Dubai Duty Free. “Federer and Nadal have captured the imagination of the whole world with their fierce rivalry, but their success is by no means guaranteed with exciting young players such as Baghdatis and Djokovic to compete against.”

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.

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