Dubai: Australian Open champions Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic will head the field at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships when play gets underway in less than two weeks from now.
Not only have the pair claimed the first Grand Slam crown of the year, but they both reign as the world number one as they prepare to compete in one of the most star-filled events on the tennis calendar.
Serena wrote another page in the history books as she held off a strong challenge from former champion Maria Sharapova to earn not only her sixth Australian Open title, but a 19th Grand Slam to take her into second place behind Steffi Graf for most titles earned in the Open era.
“Growing up I wasn’t the richest, but I had a rich family in spirit and support, and standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen,” she said before accepting her trophy. “I went on the courts with just a ball, a racquet and a hope. That’s all I had. So all you guys who want to do something or be something, just never give up. You never know what can happen or who you can inspire. I’m just so honoured.”
Williams will celebrate her 228th non-consecutive week as the world number one as she arrives in pursuit of her first Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title, after three times falling at the semi-final stage. The most dramatic of those battles came in 2009 when she was edged out by sister Venus in a final set tiebreak.
Djokovic also made yet another entry into the record books as he captured his fifth Australian Open title with an outstanding performance against Andy Murray. Murray, who is also heading to Dubai, was himself appearing in his fourth Australian Open final.
“We are delighted and very proud of the fact the two best players in the world and the newly crowned Australian Open champions have both committed themselves to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, the tournament owners and organizers. “Both Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are in great demand by every tournament in the world, and it is a privilege that they have chosen to return once again to Dubai. They are assured of a very warm welcome by all of us.”
