• Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina returned to Dubai as tournament favourite
• All eight Melbourne quarterfinalists confirmed for Dubai WTA 1000 event
• World top 20 women elevated the championship’s competitive intensity
• Fans prepared for elite tennis across consecutive WTA and ATP weeks
Fresh from the intensity of Melbourne, the global tennis spotlight shifted to Dubai as Elena Rybakina returned to lead one of the strongest fields in the history of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The Australian Open champion arrived not only as the newly crowned Grand Slam winner, but also as a Dubai resident, adding a powerful homecoming narrative to an already compelling tournament lineup.
Rybakina’s victory in Australia had confirmed her position among the sport’s elite. Her calm dominance, powerful serve, and ability to close matches under pressure placed her firmly in the conversation as one of the most formidable players on tour. Returning to Dubai as World No3, she carried both momentum and familiarity with conditions, having reached the final on her tournament debut and continued to deliver deep runs in recent editions.
What set this year’s championship apart was its remarkable depth. All eight Australian Open quarterfinalists committed to compete, effectively transporting the rivalries and storylines of the season’s first Grand Slam directly to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Fans were treated to the rare opportunity of seeing the entire world top 20 converge in one venue, creating an atmosphere that mirrored the intensity of a major championship.
The field featured a blend of established champions and rising stars, including World No1 Aryna Sabalenka, six time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiątek, and American standouts Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Two time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina returned alongside teenage sensation Iva Jovic, while defending champion Mirra Andreeva added another layer of anticipation to the draw. The presence of former winners and breakout talents reinforced Dubai’s reputation as a proving ground for excellence.
Tournament organisers highlighted the significance of hosting such a concentrated level of talent so soon after Melbourne. The championship offered players an immediate opportunity to test form, resilience, and adaptability on hard courts, while fans benefited from a schedule packed with high quality matchups from the opening rounds.
The event unfolded across two consecutive weeks, with the WTA tournament running from 15 to 21 February, followed by the ATP 500 men’s competition. Together, they positioned Dubai as a global tennis hub, drawing international attention and reinforcing the city’s role in shaping the sport’s calendar.
As Rybakina stepped back onto court in her adopted home city, the championship delivered more than competition. It offered continuity, narrative, and a rare gathering of the game’s very best, all in one place!
