Rafael Nadal will again participate in the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis tournament 15 years after his debut. The ATP 500, which is played on hard courts, will start at the end of February and end on March 5.
The organization of the tournament announced the appearance of the Spaniard in Dubai: “Rafael Nadal will return through the front door to the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC) next month, 15 years after his last competitive appearance in the United Arab Emirates. “
Nadal, the 2006 champion of the tournament, last played in Dubai in 2008. “As one of the most recognizable personalities in world sport and one of the most decorated players in history, we are delighted to welcome Rafa to the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships after 15 years,” said tournament CEO Colm McLoughlin.
Rafa has played only four editions of this ATP 500: in 2004 and 2007 he fell in the quarterfinals against Youzhny in both editions; in 2006 he was champion and in 2008 he lost to Roddick, again, in the quarterfinals.
The director of operations and president of the organizing committee of the tournament, Ramesh Cidambi, assured that he was pleased to have the number two in the world back: “Fans in Dubai and the UAE will now have a unique opportunity to see him live at Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium and marvel at his passion, energy, and talent . “
MORE NEWS: Xisca Perelló makes a decision that leaves Rafael Nadal on the ground
The Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships is a tournament that has established itself among the best on the ATP and WTA circuit, and every year it tries to offer fans an “even more enriching” experience. “This year will not be an exception, with this opportunity to see Rafa in his quest to add another title to the 92 titles he has won since 2001,” said the organization of the tournament.
The only time that Nadal has been able to lift the champion‘s trophy in Dubai was in 2006, in a final that was very competitive against Federer (number 1 at the time) and that ended with a score of 2-6, 6-4 and 6. -4 in favor of Spanish.