DUBAI: WTA World No. 2 Ons Jabeur and 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic will compete at next month’s 31st Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, tournament organizers have confirmed.
Tunisian star Jabeur became the first Arab to reach a Grand Slam final last year when she progressed to the finals at Wimbledon, before following this up two months later by reaching the US Open final at Flushing Meadows.
Returning to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for an eighth consecutive year, Jabeur was last year stopped in the last eight by two-time champion Simona Halep. “I’m very much looking forward to playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships once again,” said Jabeur. “As an Arab, it’s always a special experience playing in the emirate and the fans make me feel very well supported.
I have had some great weeks there in previous years without leaving with the title, so this year I hope to finally get my hands on some silverware.” Five-time Dubai champion Djokovic has also confirmed his participation, joining a men’s field that already includes the only male player with more Grand Slam wins — Spaniard Rafael Nadal.