Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026 To Feature World No 1 Sabalenka And Top 20 WTA Stars

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will return in 2026 with a full-strength WTA 1000 women’s draw, as all of the world’s top 20 players confirm entry for the women’s week from 15-21 February. The event is set to be one of the most competitive stops on the WTA calendar.

The 2026 line-up brings together the current top tier in women’s tennis, led by World No1 Aryna Sabalenka, World No2 Iga Świątek, World No3 Coco Gauff and World No4 Amanda Anisimova. They are joined by Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, 2025 Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva, Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic.

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Organisers highlight that this depth of entry underlines Dubai’s status within the sport. "We are delighted to welcome all of the top 20 women's players once again," said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chairman of the Organising Committee. "The depth of talent committed for 2026 reflects the status of this event on the global tennis calendar. Dubai has become an essential stop for the world’s best players, and we look forward to another exceptional week of world-class tennis."

Sabalenka arrives in Dubai after a strong 2025 and a sharp start to 2026. The Belarusian captured the US Open title in 2025, which was the fourth Grand Slam of Sabalenka’s career and a second straight win in New York. Sabalenka then retained the Brisbane International title without losing a set.

Świątek also comes into the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships WTA 1000 event in proven form after another high-level campaign. The six-time Grand Slam winner claimed the 2025 Wimbledon title and progressed to several WTA 1000 finals. Świątek ended the season with one of the best win ratios on tour.

Gauff enjoyed a standout 2025 season that strengthened the American’s position among the elite. The 21-year-old won the French Open, securing a second major title and a first on clay. Gauff also lifted a Masters 1000 trophy in Cincinnati and reached the semi-finals at both the Australian Open and US Open, finishing the year inside the top three.

Andreeva returns as defending champion at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships WTA 1000 competition after a breakthrough year. The Russian secured the 2025 title in Dubai, becoming the youngest WTA 1000 champion in history at 18. Andreeva backed that win with two Grand Slam quarter-final runs and climbed into the world’s top 15.

The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships WTA 1000 field is further strengthened by World No12 Elina Svitolina, a two-time Dubai champion, and Canada’s World No17 Victoria Mboko. Mboko’s strong results in 2025 pushed the Canadian into the top 20 for the first time. Commenting on the player list, Tournament Director Salah Tahlak, who is also Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: "Women’s tennis continues to set new standards for competitiveness and quality. With the top 20 players confirmed, spectators can expect compelling matches from the opening day. Each year our WTA event delivers incredible moments, and 2026 promises to be no different."

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships WTA 1000 schedule and format

The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships WTA 1000 event will again run back-to-back with the men’s ATP tournament. The women’s WTA 1000 competition will take place from 15-21 February, followed by the ATP 500 men’s event from 23-28 February. These consecutive weeks are expected to draw strong regional and international interest.

With inputs from WAM