This will be his first competitive appearance in the United Arab Emirates since 2008.
Nadal, the men’s champion at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC) in 2006, last played at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium 15 years ago. Since then, he has become one of the greatest male tennis players of all time, with a record 22 Grand Slam titles to his name.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the world, Nadal will participate in the annual ATP 500 event, which will take place from 27 February to 4 March.
2022 proved historic for Rafael Nadal. At the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne, he won a second Australian Open and 21st major title, moving him ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the all-time Grand Slam winners’ list. Nadal also became only the second player in history to complete the double career grand slam. Five months later, he claimed a 14th French Open title, becoming the tournament’s oldest winner, extending his unrivalled Roland Garros record to 106 wins from 109 matches.
In 2005, Rafael Nadal reached the quarterfinals at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC). The following year, he returned to the DDFTC and defeated Tim Henman of Britain and Rainer Schuttler of Germany on his way to the final. There, he faced top seed and world No. 1 Roger Federer and emerged victorious with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, securing his first victory over Federer in an ATP final. Federer retired in 2021, thus ending one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history.
“As one of the most instantly recognisable personalities in global sport, and one of the most decorated players to ever grace the game, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Rafa back to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after 15 years. The last time Rafa played in Dubai, he had won three Grand Slams. He returns having amassed more Grand Slam titles than any other male player in history,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships men’s tournament will take place next month, following the 23rd edition of the annual WTA event. The WTA event will be held from 19 to 25 February, and the ATP Tour 500 tournament, now in its 31st year, will take place from 27 February to 4 March.
DSCVR: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Garhoud, Dubai. @ddftennis
