World No 3 Grigor Dimitrov has been confirmed for the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February.
The Bulgarian, who reached the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday, is the highest ranked player to be announced for the event which starts on February 26 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
It will be Dimitrov's first appearance in Dubai since 2011. Back then he had to qualify for the main draw, but having done so he lost to Richard Gasquet in straight sets in the first round.
Also in the line-up is world No 18 Lucas Pouille, who was a semi-finalist in Dubai last year, losing to eventual winner Andy Murray.
_______________________________________________________
Read more
[ Australian Open Day 5: Grigor Dimitrov rallies past Andrey Rublev ]
[ Australian Open Day 5: Svitolina and Mertens through to last 16 ]
_______________________________________________________
Damir Dzumhur, who also inflicted a shock loss on defending champion Stan Wawrinka in the second round last year will also be challenging for the title.
Dzumhur showed that win wasn’t a fluke by winning two titles last year and jumping 58 places in the rankings to 30.
Other challengers for the title include regular competitors in Dubai, Roberto Bautista Agut, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Viktor Troicki, Denis Istomin and Richard Gasquet.
Tournament director Salah Tahlak added, "We can look forward to a very entertaining tournament which is guaranteed to provide some unforgettable action both on and off the court this year. We are watching our players’ progress in Australia at the moment and wish them all the best.”
Grandstand ticket prices for the WTA event start at AED55 for opening rounds to AED735 for the ATP finals, with daily Prime A and Prime B tickets and season tickets also available. (All inclusive of VAT).
Tickets went on sale online on Thursday, and are available from the Box Office from Thursday 25 January. For ticket sales go to http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/en/tickets
