Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas will lead a strong lineup at the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ATP 500 event, joined by Félix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev. The tournament runs from February 23 to 28, following the women's WTA 1000 from February 15 to 21. This announcement highlights the event's prestige on the hard-court circuit.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has confirmed a powerhouse field for its men's ATP 500 tournament in 2026, set for February 23 to 28 in Dubai. Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2025 champion, returns to defend his title after defeating Félix Auger-Aliassime in last year's final. The Greek star's victory capped a dominant hard-court season, and he aims to build on that success.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked world No. 7, enters after a standout 2025, securing three ATP titles in Adelaide, Montpellier, and Brussels, plus a US Open semifinal run. His previous final appearance in Dubai solidifies his status as a top contender. Former winners Daniil Medvedev (2023 champion and 2021 US Open winner) and Andrey Rublev (2022 Dubai victor) add depth with their hard-court prowess and consistent performances.
The lineup gains further strength from Alexander Bublik (world No. 10, 2024 Dubai finalist), Jack Draper (No. 11, 2025 Indian Wells Masters 1000 winner), and Karen Khachanov (No. 17, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, 2025 Toronto runner-up). Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free and tournament chairman, praised the field: “With Stefanos returning as defending champion, Felix coming off an exceptional season, and former champions like Daniil and Andrey in the mix, fans can expect outstanding tennis.” Tournament director Salah Tahlak echoed this, noting the event's benchmark status on the ATP Tour.
Preceding the men's event, the women's WTA 1000 will feature February 15 to 21, with defending champion Mirra Andreeva joined by Aryna Sabalenka (world No. 1), Iga Świątek (six-time Grand Slam winner), and Coco Gauff (No. 3). Tickets start at 65 UAE dirhams via ticketmaster.ae or the official site. The championships operate under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
