World's Top Players Set Their Sights On Dubai Tennis Championships

- Tickets still available for the opening days of the Dubai Duty Free Men's and Women's Opens -

Dubai, UAE, January 31st, 2007: Reigning Australian Open champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams will headline the Dubai Tennis Championships in what is certain to be a thrill-packed two week festival of top class action.

Kicking off at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on 19th February, the top three men players in the world and four of the world’s top six women will compete for a massive $3 million in prize money.

Federer, the world number one, will be in contention against defending champion and world number two Rafael Nadal, and third-ranked Russian Nikolay Davydenko is also certain to be a strong contender.

As well as Williams, who celebrated a return to the top 20 with her Melbourne triumph, newly crowned number one Maria Sharapova will be up against world number two and defending champion Justine Henin and former finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova.

In addition to including most of the highest ranked players in the world, the Dubai Tennis Championships features no less than five reigning Grand Slam Champions in Federer (Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open), Nadal, (French Open), Sharapova (US Open), Henin (French Open) and Williams (Australian Open).

The sensational line-up of players competing in the Dubai Tennis Championships has left some sports fans desperate for tickets.

With the semi-finals and finals for both the women’s and men’s events already sold out, tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free are urging tennis fans to purchase tickets for the other days as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

“It is unusual for so many top champions to gather at one tournament and we take great pride and satisfaction in offering both players and tennis fans an experience second to none,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament organisers Dubai Duty Free.

“With such an impressive gathering it is important that people who want to see them in action for themselves buy their tickets at the earliest opportunity.”

With Federer firmly entrenched as the men’s number one, Maria Sharapova climbed back to top place following her run to the Australian Open final.

"It's always an honour to be number one in the world," said Sharapova, who last year finished as runner-up to Justine Henin in the Dubai final. "Every kid dreams of being number one and I'm so happy I was able to get back to the top. It's a great achievement and I'm very happy."

As per last year, Grand Stand seating will be on a first come first served basis. The box office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium is open from 10am to 9pm daily, while online tickets (subject to availability) are available on www.timeouttickets.com. The Tournament hotline, which offers a 24 hour information service is available on 04 3024444.

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