It’s the final weekend of what has been a superb fortnight of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship action, with a surprise ladies final preceding the heavy-hitters on the men’s side progressing well.
Men’s quarter finals, semi-finals and finals take place Thursday through Saturday, with men’s doubles also taking place on Court 1. While the seats for the latter stages of the men’s singles were gobbled up long ago, the men’s doubles can be enjoyed free of charge, while the Tennis Village will provide plenty of entertainment over the weekend.
I had a stroll around the Aviation Club a few days ago, and the setup is fantastic, with plenty to keep those who can’t get singles tickets occupied.
“There will be plenty on this weekend, with roving entertainment in the village including stilt walkers, tanoura dancers, fire dancers, and jugglers entertaining the crowds,” revealed Tournament Director Salah Tahlak to Sport360°.“For the kids there will be balloon benders and face painters, so there is plenty on for everyone, apart from the amazing tennis of course,”
Tahlak also explained that the lack of tickets available for the men’s singles shouldn’t detract from people coming down and enjoying the various other activities free of charge. “Ticket sales have been fantastic this year with finals tickets selling out in hours when released.
“We have sold out for the semi but access to Court 1 is free and the atmosphere in the tennis village, where there are giant viewing screens, is buzzing. People can relax in one of the many restaurants between matches, and even if they don’t have tickets they can come and watch the action on the big screens. We always get comments that its lovely being here and that’s why so many fans come back year after year,” he said.
The fans aren’t the only ones enjoying the tennis fiesta these past two weeks, with the players also commenting on the excellent facilities at what is regularly an award-winning tournament.
“The players really like it here with the Aviation Club being their base, they can relax between matches and everything is on hand for them.
“In fact they like it so much we were awarded the ATP World Tour 500 Award for the Tournament of the Year for 2011. This is the eighth time in ten years we have won this award, which is voted by the players, so clearly the players love it here as much as the fans,” explained Tahlak.
And as for the tournament overall, 2012 has lived up to what has gone before it, and then some. “The 2012 event has been a great success. The fact that we have had such a strong field, particularly in the men’s week has meant the fans have seen some amazing tennis, and the stadium is full to capacity.
“The women’s week produced some interesting results, with an exciting final and the crowning of a new champion. Along with all the extra activities including the biggest ever kids day this week it’s been a great tournament,” said Tahlak.
Times and schedules for the latter rounds can be found at www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.
VENUE: Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai
WHAT: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final weekend.
WHEN: Thursday – Saturday.
Sport360° VERDICT: Both tennis and non-tennis fans will be captivated by the facilities at Aviation Club, with the Tennis Village a real highlight, and free entry.
CONTACT: Dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com
