Djokovic, Jabeur confirmed for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Open

World No. 2 Ons Jabeur and 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic have joined the star line-up for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, tournament organisers have confirmed.

Returning to Dubai for an eighth consecutive year, Tunisia's Jabeur said she it is "always a special experience playing in the emirate" as the fans make her "feel very well supported".

The Arab star, who was stopped in the last eight by two-time champion Simona Halep last year, said she hoped "to finally get (her) hands on some silverware".

Meanwhile, five-time Dubai champion Djokovic will join the men’s field that already includes the only male player with more Grand Slam wins – Rafael Nadal.

The Serbian star returns to Dubai seeking a first title in the emirate since 2020 as he looks to get within two of Roger Federer’s record of eight Dubai wins. 

Djokovic returns to Dubai following a stellar 2022 in which he won his 21st Grand Slam title with victory at Wimbledon, broke his own record for number of weeks as No.1 on the ATP Tour – 373 weeks atop the rankings – and won a 38th ATP 1000 Masters title. He also became the first player to amass 30 or more singles victories at every ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

"It’s always exciting to be back in Dubai. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is a special event for me. I have a long history with the Championship and have been fortunate to play some great matches in front of the crowd at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. I can’t wait to play there again,” said Djokovic who won the first of his five DDFTC crowns with victory in 2009.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted it was "special to "have Novak and Rafa in the same field".

Tickets for the 31st edition of the Championships, which runs from February 19 – March 4, will go on sale on January 17, starting from AED 55. Tickets will be available online, and at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Box Office from February 9.