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2026 Dubai Tennis Championships
February 13 – February 28 +04
As the desert sun begins its annual dance over the Arabian Peninsula, the tennis world turns its gaze toward the jewel of the Middle East. The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set to return to the Aviation Club Tennis Centre, promising two weeks of high-octane drama, elite athleticism, and the glamour that only Dubai can provide.
Now in its 34th year for the ATP and 26th year for the WTA, this tournament has evolved from a burgeoning regional event into a cornerstone of the professional tours. As a WTA 1000 and an ATP 500 event, it stands as a critical stop for players looking to cement their rankings before the tour moves toward the American “Sunshine Double.”
Tournament Dates & Venue
The 2026 edition continues the tradition of back-to-back weeks, starting with the women’s elite and concluding with the men’s powerhouses.
- Women’s WTA 1000: Qualifying: February 13 & 14 | Main Draw: February 15 – 21, 2026
- Men’s ATP 500: Qualifying: February 21 & 22 | Main Draw: February 23 – 28, 2026
- Venue: The iconic Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, UAE.
The venue is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere, where fans can feel the “thwack” of the ball from nearly any seat in the house.
Prize Money & Points Distribution
Dubai is famous for its generous purses. For 2026, the stakes have been raised once again. Below is the breakdown for both the singles events.
WTA 1000 Prize Money (Women)
The total prize pool for the women’s week has reached approximately $4,088,211, reflecting an 11.8% increase from the previous year.
| Round | Prize Money (USD) | Ranking Points |
| Winner | $665,000 | 1,000 |
| Finalist | $385,001 | 650 |
| Semifinalist | $197,000 | 390 |
| Quarterfinalist | $98,500 | 215 |
| Round 3 | $49,250 | 120 |
| Round 2 | $26,000 | 65 |
| Round 1 | $18,300 | 10 |
ATP 500 Prize Money (Men)
The men’s total financial commitment stands at approximately $3,311,005. While official final figures are often refined at the draw, the estimated distribution based on the 2026 ATP 500 structure is as follows:
| Round | Prize Money (USD) | Ranking Points |
| Winner | $529,945 | 500 |
| Finalist | $285,095 | 330 |
| Semifinalist | $151,935 | 200 |
| Quarterfinalist | $77,625 | 100 |
| Round 2 (R16) | $41,435 | 50 |
| Round 1 (R32) | $22,095 | 0 |
Provisional Schedule 2026
Matches typically begin in the morning, with the prestigious night sessions under the lights providing some of the most memorable moments of the tournament.
WTA 1000 (Feb 15 – 21)
| Day | Time | Rounds |
| Sun, 15 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 1st Round |
| Mon, 16 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 1st Round |
| Tue, 17 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 2nd Round |
| Wed, 18 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 3rd Round |
| Thu, 19 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | Quarterfinals |
| Fri, 20 Feb | 1pm & 7pm | Semifinals |
| Sat, 21 Feb | 4:30pm & 7pm | Finals |
ATP 500 (Feb 23 – 28)
| Day | Time | Rounds |
| Mon, 23 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | 1st Round |
| Tue, 24 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | 2nd Round |
| Wed, 25 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | 3rd Round |
| Thu, 26 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | Quarterfinals |
| Fri, 27 Feb | 1:30pm & 7pm | Semifinals |
| Sat, 28 Feb | 4:30pm & 7pm | Finals |
Stars to Watch: The Elite Field
The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has seen a shake-up in its entry list just as the gates open. While a string of high-profile withdrawals has shifted the spotlight, the field remains incredibly deep, featuring elite talent and the sport’s most exciting rising stars.
The Women’s Field (WTA 1000)
Significant Note: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (fatigue) and World No. 2 Iga Świątek (scheduling) have officially withdrawn from this year’s event. They are joined on the sidelines by Doha champion Karolina Muchová, Zheng Qinwen, and Maria Sakkari.
- Elena Rybakina (The New Top Seed): Fresh off her 2026 Australian Open triumph, the Kazakh powerhouse is now the woman to beat. Her clinical serve and flat groundstrokes are lethal on these quick courts.
- Coco Gauff: The World No. 5 and fan favorite is looking to capitalize on the open draw. Her defensive prowess and improved aggressive play make her a top contender to reach the final Saturday.
- Mirra Andreeva (Defending Champion): The 18-year-old returnee. After her historic run last year, all eyes are on whether the “Teen Queen of Dubai” can maintain her composure as the defending champion.
- Amanda Anisimova: Following a resurgent start to 2026, Anisimova enters as the No. 2 seed. Her ability to take the ball early could see her overpower the field in the bottom half of the draw.
- Emma Raducanu: The British star is back in the main draw on merit. Unseeded but dangerous, she remains one of the most followed players and a legitimate threat to any seed in the early rounds.
The Men’s Field (ATP 500)
The men’s side features a “Clash of Champions,” with four former winners returning to the Aviation Club.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (Defending Champion): The Greek star finally conquered Dubai in 2025. He returns with the confidence of a man who has mastered the desert conditions and is looking for a rare back-to-back title.
- Daniil Medvedev: The “Chessmaster” and 2023 champion. Medvedev thrives on the low-bouncing surface in Dubai and remains the most tactically versatile player in the draw.
- Andrey Rublev: A former champion (2022) and perennial contender. Rublev’s high-intensity game is a perfect match for the energetic Dubai night sessions.
- Felix Auger-Aliassime: Last year’s runner-up is on a mission. After pushing Tsitsipas to the limit in the 2025 final, the Canadian is seeking redemption and his first Dubai crown.
- Jack Draper: The British No. 1 is the tournament’s “dark horse.” His heavy left-handed game and massive serve make him a player none of the top seeds want to see in their quarter.
A Legacy of Champions
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships isn’t just a tournament; it’s a hall of fame in motion. The walls of the Aviation Club are adorned with the names of legends who have graced these courts.
- Women’s Greats: Recent years have seen triumphs from Jasmine Paolini (2024), Barbora Krejčíková (2023), and the historic run of Elina Svitolina (back-to-back 2017-18). These modern stars join legends like Venus and Serena Williams, Justine Henin (4-time champ), and Martina Hingis.
- Men’s Icons: The men’s side is dominated by the shadow of Roger Federer, who holds a record eight titles. Other legendary winners include Novak Djokovic (5 titles), Rafael Nadal, and Andre Agassi. Recent years have seen a shift toward the “new guard,” with champions like Ugo Humbert (2024) and Aslan Karatsev (2021) proving that anyone in the draw can seize the moment.
More Than Just Tennis: The Fan Experience
What sets Dubai apart is the off-court entertainment. The tournament is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free, ensuring a world-class luxury experience.
- The Irish Village: Located right next to the stadium, it becomes the heartbeat of the tournament, where fans gather for live music and a unique atmosphere.
- Kids’ Days & Clinics: The tournament continues its mission to grow the sport in the UAE, hosting clinics for local schools and aspiring young players.
- Global Reach: With broadcast coverage reaching over 100 countries, the event serves as a global billboard for Dubai as a premier sporting destination.
As we look toward mid-February, the narrative is set. Will the veterans re-assert their dominance, or will 2026 be the year a new teenage prodigy follows in Mirra Andreeva’s footsteps? One thing is certain: under the Dubai lights, the tennis will be nothing short of spectacular.