Dubai: Sania Mirza's wildcard entry into this year's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is likely to have the tennis fans rushing for the tickets to show their support in her opening match on Wednesday.
"Sania is one of the players the crowd just loves here in Dubai and I have no doubt they will come out in full force to support her tomorrow," said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.
The 24-year-old Indian star has always been a crowd favourite at this event and 2011 is likely to be no different. Mirza found it tough going here last year, losing out in the first round to Spain's Annabel Medina Garrigues.
She'll fancy her chances this year, however, coming up against Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan in the first round.
"I'm really looking forward to getting started here," said Mirza. "The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are almost like a home tournament for me and I love the crowds here. It's always really special and hopefully I can do well this week," she added.
Tickets to the action are available from both the Stadium's Box Office and online at www.timeouttickets.com. For further information about the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.
