British No1 Andy Murray has been lined up to challenge champion Roger Federer and 2006 winner Rafael Nadal at the Dubai Duty Free presents the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2008, XPRESS can reveal
Colm McLoughlin, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, told XPRESS: "Andy Murray is coming next year. That's definite." He was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference to announce Barclays had signed a $9 million (Dh33 million) deal to become title sponsors of the Dubai Tennis Championships for the next three years.
Twenty-year-old Murray, one of the few players to beat Federer in the past two seasons, rose to a career high No8 earlier this year before a wrist injury in May forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon and he has subsequently dropped to 19th in the world rankings.
Murray has not played in Dubai before and only returned to action last month, reaching the third round of the US Open where he lost to Lee Hyung-Taik.
He looks certain to be joined in the draw for the tournament, from March 3 to March 8, by the world's top two, Federer and Nadal, whose great rivalry began in the 2006 Dubai final when Nadal beat the world No1.
Federer turned the tables last year and will be back to defend his crown. "I always enjoy playing in Dubai," said Federer. "It is one of my favourite tournaments. I also spend a lot of time in Dubai to practise so it is almost like a second home to me."
Nadal said: "I enjoy very much every time I play in Dubai and I am really looking forward to that period of the year."
Dubai's Tennis Showpiece
- The championships will take place from February 25 to March 8, 2008
- Women: Monday February 25 to Saturday March 1
- Men: Monday March 3 to Saturday March 8
- 2008 is the 16th edition of the men's tournament and the eighth year of the women's event
- Total prize money for the tournament is $3 million (Dh11m) with men and women receiving equal prize money
- The tournament takes place at the Dubai Tennis Stadium at the Aviation Club, near Garhoud Bridge
- Tickets go on sale in January. For more information log on to www.dubaitennischampionships.com
