Federer on Top of the World

- World Number One Enjoys a Bird’s Eye View of Dubai in a Helicopter -

Dubai, UAE, February 26th, 2007: Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer is not only on top of his game, he is on top of the world.

The 25-year-old, who is competing in the Dubai Tennis Championships for the sixth time and is a three-time winner, enjoyed the opportunity to view Dubai’s newest and most exciting developments in a helicopter.

Leaving from the helipad of the Burj Al Arab, where he had a memorable knock about on a specially designed tennis court with Andre Agassi in 2005, Federer was taken on a tour of ‘The World’, the man-made world-shaped islands being built off the coast of Dubai.

Joined by Salah Tahlak, the Dubai Tennis Championships Tournament Director, Federer also toured over The Palm Jumeirah, the palm tree-shaped man-made islands, and the Burj Dubai, billed to be the world’s tallest tower when completed in 2008, before swooping down for a stunning view over the Jumeirah Beach front.

It was the perfect way to celebrate his 161st consecutive week as the number one player in the ATP rankings, breaking Jimmy Connors record of 160 weeks.

Federer said: “Dubai is just such a fascinating place. Everything here is just getting better all the time. It’s one of the best spots in the world.”

Before leaving for the unique helicopter ride and whilst taking in the Dubai sky-line from the Burj Al Arab helipad, Federer joked: “Where’s the tennis court?”

“I’m a bit nervous actually, it’s a bit like I feel before I play a match.”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing The World and The Palm from above, as well as the Burj Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road.”

The talented 32-player field competing in the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open also includes defending champion Rafael Nadal, world number three Nikolay Davydenko, Adelaide winner Novak Djokovic, German number one Tommy Haas and Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

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