The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is a prestigious annual event on the ATP Tour, classified as an ATP 500 tournament for the men’s singles and doubles. The 2026 edition marks the 34th for the men (established in 1993) and runs alongside the WTA 1000 women’s event, creating a two-week tennis spectacle. With a star-studded field led by defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and former winners like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, this hard-court showcase emphasizes baseline rallies and serving prowess on outdoor courts. The tournament’s high prize money and ranking points make it a key stop in the Middle East swing, often serving as a tune-up for Indian Wells.
Venue Location
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This outdoor hard-court facility features a main stadium with a capacity of 5,000, plus multiple show courts. Known for its fast conditions and night sessions under lights, the venue has hosted the event since its inception, offering players a mix of high humidity and warm temperatures that can test endurance.
Starting Date and Time
The men’s ATP 500 main draw begins on Monday, February 23, 2026, and concludes with the singles final on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Qualifying rounds start Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 AM local time (GMT+4, which is 3:00 AM ET). Main draw sessions typically run from 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM local time daily, with the doubles final on Saturday at 4:30 PM and the singles final not before 7:00 PM. The women’s WTA 1000 wraps up on February 21, allowing seamless transition to the men’s event.
Injury Report
The 2026 Dubai event has been plagued by a high number of withdrawals and injuries, particularly on the women’s side, but the men’s field has seen fewer issues as of February 20. Key notes for the men’s ATP 500:
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE, Defending Champion): No reported injuries; fully fit after a strong start to 2026, including a Doha semifinal.
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN, Top Seed): Cleared after a minor shoulder concern in early February; practiced without issues in Dubai.
- Daniil Medvedev (RUS): Withdrew from Qatar Open due to fatigue but confirmed for Dubai; no structural injury, expected to play.
- Andrey Rublev (RUS): Healthy; recent knee tweak resolved, full practice sessions noted.
- Other Notable: Alexander Bublik (KAZ) is fit; no major top-seed withdrawals. However, lower-ranked players like Quentin Halys (FRA) and Christopher O’Connell (AUS) have no reported issues for their qualifier. General ATP injuries in February 2026 include Carlos Alcaraz (ESP, ankle – not entered) and Jannik Sinner (ITA, illness – skipped Middle East swing). The tournament has seen 24 total withdrawals/retirements across both tours, raising concerns about the calendar’s toll, but men’s draw remains intact.
For the women’s event (ending February 21), notable injuries included Aryna Sabalenka (hip), Iga Swiatek (schedule/fatigue), Victoria Mboko (elbow), Elena Rybakina (illness during event), and others like Paula Badosa, Daria Kasatkina, and Barbora Krejcikova (thigh), contributing to 12 retirements/withdrawals.
Key Player Matchups
The main draw was not fully released as of February 20, but based on entry lists and potential seeding, here are key projected matchups and analyses for the men’s ATP 500 (32-player singles draw, 16 doubles teams). Seeds receive first-round byes. Top seeds: (1) Felix Auger-Aliassime, (2) Stefanos Tsitsipas, (3) Daniil Medvedev, (4) Andrey Rublev, (5) Alexander Bublik, (6) Jan-Lennard Struff, (7) Otto Virtanen, (8) Nicolas Jarry (projected based on rankings and entries). Notable wild cards: Sumit Nagal (IND), Gael Monfils (FRA).
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN, #1 Seed) vs. Potential Quarterfinal: Andrey Rublev (#4 Seed): Auger-Aliassime’s big serve (aces leader in 2025) vs. Rublev’s baseline aggression. Recent H2H: Auger-Aliassime leads 3-2, but Rublev won their last meeting in Doha 2026 semis. Auger-Aliassime’s form (11-3 in 2026) edges this, but Rublev’s Dubai history (2022 champion) adds intrigue.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE, #2 Seed, Defending Champ) vs. Potential Semifinal: Daniil Medvedev (#3 Seed): Tsitsipas defends his 2025 title with strong serving; Medvedev’s return game could disrupt. H2H: Medvedev leads 9-4, including a 2024 Dubai win. Tsitsipas’ recent Doha title (February 2026) boosts confidence.
- Alexander Bublik (KAZ, #5 Seed) vs. Potential Early Upset: Jan-Lennard Struff (#6 Seed): Bublik’s trick shots vs. Struff’s power; Bublik’s volatility (recent Doha QF loss) could open doors.
- Wildcard Watch: Gael Monfils vs. Qualifier/Opener: Monfils’ athleticism could surprise, but age (39) limits endurance.
Doubles highlights: Top seeds John Peers/Michael Venus vs. potential challengers like Jamie Murray/Adam Pavlasek.
Recent Form
- Stefanos Tsitsipas: 12-3 in 2026; won Doha ATP 250 (February 9-15), defeating Bublik in final; strong serving (85% hold rate).
- Felix Auger-Aliassime: 11-4; Doha semis loss to Tsitsipas; consistent baseline play, but 3-2 in tiebreaks.
- Daniil Medvedev: 9-5; Qatar Open QF (withdrew fatigue); hard-court specialist (90% win rate in 2025 Dubai).
- Andrey Rublev: 10-4; Doha QF; aggressive style suits fast courts, but recent errors (25 UEs in loss).
- Alexander Bublik: 8-6; Doha final loss; volatile, with high ace count but double faults. Other notables: Struff (recent Doha win over Medvedev), Virtanen (qualifier potential).
Tournament History
Established in 1993 as an ATP 500 (upgraded from 250 in 2001), the Dubai Championships has attracted legends like Roger Federer (8 titles, most all-time), Novak Djokovic (5), Rafael Nadal (3), and Andy Murray (2). Past winners include Tsitsipas (2025), Medvedev (2023), Rublev (2022), Aslan Karatsev (2021 surprise). The event offers $2,941,785 in prize money (2025 figure, expected similar for 2026) and 500 ranking points to the winner. Known for fast hard courts and night sessions, it has a history of upsets (e.g., 2021 Karatsev as qualifier). Total entries: 32 singles, 16 doubles. Defending doubles: John Peers/Michael Venus.
