Australian Open Champ Rybakina Headlines Dubai Tennis Elite Field

Dubai, UAE – February 2, 2026:

The excitement of the Australian Open is set to continue in Dubai as Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina prepares to headline the 26th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Fresh from her stunning victory over defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne (6-4, 4-6, 6-4), Rybakina will return to the Gulf on February 15, bringing her world-class form and homegrown fan support to the WTA 1000 tournament.

The Russian-born, Dubai-resident star has already cemented her legacy with a second Grand Slam title following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph. Ranked World No. 3, Rybakina is set to compete not only as a former finalist but also as a local favorite, making her participation especially compelling for fans and the media alike.

This year, the Dubai event boasts a truly elite field: all eight Australian Open quarterfinalists are confirmed, including World No. 1 Sabalenka, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiątek, and rising American stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Other top contenders include World No. 4 Amanda Anisimova, two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina, and 18-year-old phenom Iva Jovic.

“The participation of the entire top 20 so soon after Melbourne is a testament to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships’ status as one of the most prestigious events on the calendar,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chairman of the Organising Committee. “It offers fans a rare opportunity to witness the world’s finest players in one place, while providing athletes another chance to test themselves on hard courts against the very best.”

Rybakina’s victory in Melbourne highlighted her exceptional all-round game: blistering serves, powerful groundstrokes, and ice-cool composure in high-pressure moments. Returning to Dubai, where she has previously reached the final in 2020 and semi-finals in 2025, she will enjoy strong local support as she looks to add the prestigious WTA 1000 crown to her growing collection.

Tournament Director Salah Tahlak added, “Elena’s achievements continue to inspire fans, and her homecoming as a Dubai resident makes her journey even more special. We look forward to welcoming her back for what promises to be an unforgettable week of tennis.”

The tournament will also feature compelling storylines with defending champion Mirra Andreeva, former winners Jasmine Paolini (2024) and Belinda Bencic (2019), and Canadian breakout Victoria Mboko, ensuring thrilling contests throughout WTA week, running February 15–21. The ATP 500 men’s event will follow from February 23–28. Tickets start at Dh65 and are available via dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com and Ticketmaster.ae.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are proudly owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.