- Fresh from beating Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne, Dubai-resident Rybakina returns this month as one of the tournament’s leading contenders
- The world’s top 20 women, including all 8 quarterfinalists from the season’s first Grand Slam, are confirmed for Dubai’s WTA 1000 event, which starts Feb. 15
DUBAI: Fresh off the heat and glare of Melbourne, the story of this year’s Australian Open will roll straight from the Rod Laver Arena into Dubai.
Elena Rybakina, 26, having dethroned defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Saturday, returns on Feb. 15 to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a tournament that is increasingly special to the Russian.
After adding a second Grand Slam win to her 2022 Wimbledon title, Rybakina, the new world No. 3, returns to Dubai not only as a former finalist but as a resident of the city since 2024.
All eight Australian Open quarterfinalists are confirmed to compete in the emirates’ 26th WTA event, bringing with them the rivalries, storylines, and form that defined the season’s first major.
“Congratulations to Elena, who we are delighted is returning to Dubai this month,” said Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free and chairman of the organizing committee.
“The participation of the entire top 20 so soon after Melbourne gives fans a chance to see the sport’s biggest names together in one place. For the players, we provide another proving ground and an immediate chance to test themselves on a hard court against the very best once again.
Rybakina’s title run in Australia showcased her complete arsenal of thunderous serving, flat baseline power, and icy composure.
“I would like to send huge congratulations to Elena on behalf of everyone at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Salah Tahlak, tournament director and deputy managing director of Dubai Duty Free.
“She has competed at our tournament in Dubai five times in the past six years, reaching the final on her debut in 2020 and progressing to the semifinals last year.
“As a Dubai resident, she always enjoys a lot of ‘home’ support here and I’m sure that will only grow after this past weekend’s fantastic victory. We look forward to welcoming her back.”
The eight quarterfinalists in Dubai include world No. 1 Sabalenka, six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, world No. 4 Amanda Anisimova, American pair Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 5 and No. 6 respectively, two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina, and 18-year-old starlet Iva Jovic.
Also competing are defending champion Mirra Andreeva, 2024 winner Jasmine Paolini, Canadian breakout Victoria Mboko, and 2019 winner Belinda Bencic.
The contest takes place from Feb. 15 to 21, followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from Feb. 23 to 28.
BY: The Times Union
