Sport360°'s top five stars set to shine in Dubai

ATP Ranking: 6
Age: 28

Best result in Dubai: Finalist 2013
Last year’s runner-up is enjoying a positive start to the season. He ended a 16-month title drought by lifting the trophy in Rotterdam earlier this month and has lost only two matches out of 14 in 2014. Has been very solid on serve this season and has done well in Dubai recently, making the quarter-finals or better on his last three trips to the Emirates.
In numbers: 97 – per cent of service games won this season, the highest on Tour; 120 – aces served in 2014, the 6th highest on the aces leaderboard.

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO (ARG)

ATP Ranking: 5
Age: 25
Best result in Dubai: Semi-finalist 2012, 2013
This will be the Argentine’s third appearance in Dubai and he’s made the semi-finals on his only two previous showings here. After winning the International title in Sydney in the first week of the year, he lost in the Australian Open second round and was troubled with a wrist injury later on. Returned from injury in Rotterdam where he made the quarters. If fit, will be a real contender this week.
In numbers: 18 – titles won in his career including the US Open in 2009; 72.7 – per cent career win record on hard courts.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB)

ATP Ranking: 2
Age: 26
Best result in Dubai: Winner 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
He's only played five matches so far in 2014, all in Melbourne, where he was unable to defend his title and lost in the quarter-finals. Has an impressive 28-3 record in Dubai, including four titles in seven appearances, and has never lost before the quarter-finals here at the Aviation Club. Despite the lack of match play, is considered the No1 favourite for the title.
In numbers: 66 – percent win record in finals having won 41 out of 62 in his career to date; 33 – titles won on hard court in 41 attempts.

ROGER FEDERER (SUI)

ATP Ranking: 8
Age: 32
Best result in Dubai: Winner 2003-2005, 2007, 2012
An astonishing five-time champion in Dubai, Federer has featured in the final here seven out of 10 times. The Swiss has a special connection to the emirate having owned a house here for a long time and spends a considerable amount of time practicing in Dubai. Is having a good season so far making the final in Brisbane and semis at the Australian Open.
In numbers: 57 – titles won by Federer on outdoor hard courts; 81.6 – per cent win record on outdoor hard courts in his career.

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA)

ATP Ranking: 10
Age: 28
Best result in Dubai: Quarter-finalist 2012
The Frenchman doesn’t have the best of records in Dubai, having won only three of his six matches in three appearances here. Lost to Federer in the fourth round of the Australian Open last month and is searching for his first title of the season. Is a fan favourite with his explosive style and will be hoping to do better than his opening round loss here last year.
In numbers: 69 – per cent career wins on hard courts; 10 – all ten of Tsonga's career title wins have come on hard courts.

DARK HORSES

Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)

ATP Ranking: 51
Age: 25
Best result in Dubai: Second round 2013
Caused a huge upset when he beat Juan Martin del Potro in the Australian Open second round and instead of folding after that, he reached the fourth round. Also made semis in Auckland before Melbourne.

Daniel Brands (GER)

ATP Ranking: 69
Age: 26
Best result in Dubai: Quarter-finalist 2013
Made the quarters here as a qualifier last year. Hasn’t done well in recent weeks but seems to find his game in the Gulf, having reached the quarters in Doha last month and the semis there last year.