Organisers of Dubai Tennis C’ships ecstatic over Djokovic’s return

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The world number one Novak Djokovic will return to the court at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, after his deportation from Australia dashed his dreams of winning a record 21st Grand Slam title.

The 34-year-old Serb lost a legal battle to remain in Australia and defend his Australian Open crown last month in a Covid-19 controversy that made headlines around the world.

The organisers of the event are happy to welcome the Serbian back in Dubai.

Djokovic has lifted the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title five times with the last coming in his most recent appearance in 2020.

I think it’s great to have him [Djokovic] back. I know the whole world has been against him but at the end of the day he’s number one in the world and he’s a former champion in Dubai,” said Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships tournament director Salah Tahlak.

Organisers of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships also welcomed the news that the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has allowed fans at full capacity for the event.

Last year, the tournament was held behind closed doors.

“We are so thrilled and happy. When we got the email from the Dubai Sports Council two days ago, allowing us to have 100 percent capacity.

“We are very happy that we can now open up more tickets sales to the public, so many of our loyal fans can enjoy watching their favourite players,” said Tahlak.

“We encourage them to use the official website of the tournament and Platinum list, or to simply drop by the Box Office to purchase their tickets”.

The tournament begins with the WTA event which takes place between February 14 to February 19 and features eight of the world’s top 10 players.

The tournament then continues between February 21-26 with the 30th anniversary of the ATP Tour 500 tournament.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free.