Dubai Tennis Championships 2026: Draper’s Return and a Clash of Champions
The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are set to be a thrilling event, marking Jack Draper’s return to ATP Tour action after a seven-month absence due to injury. The Briton, seeded fourth, will face a qualifier or lucky loser in his debut Dubai campaign.
Draper’s Road Back to Form
Draper’s comeback began this month with a Davis Cup victory, signaling a positive step in his recovery. The former No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings and reigning Indian Wells champion will be eager to regain his top form on the court. His participation adds significant excitement to the ATP 500 tournament.
Top Seeds and Potential Matchups
Felix Auger-Aliassime leads the field as the top seed, starting his title quest against Zhang Zhizhen. Their head-to-head record is currently tied at 1-1. Auger-Aliassime is projected to face Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals, who will first compete against Arthur Fils.
Defending Champions and Veteran Presence
A compelling first-round match will see defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas face 2024 winner Ugo Humbert, a clash between two former Dubai titlists. Daniil Medvedev (2023 champion), Andrey Rublev (2022 champion), and Stan Wawrinka (2016 champion) likewise feature in the main draw, bringing a wealth of experience to the tournament.
Wawrinka’s Farewell Tour
This year’s tournament holds special significance as it marks the final season of Stan Wawrinka’s ATP Tour career. He will begin his Dubai run against fellow wild card Benjamin Hassan.
The Seeds at Dubai
The top eight seeds for the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are: Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik, Daniil Medvedev, Jack Draper, Andrey Rublev, Jakub Mensik, Karen Khachanov, and Jiri Lehecka.
First Round Matches to Watch
Beyond the headline matchups, fans should keep an eye on Arthur Fils versus Jiri Lehecka, Stefanos Tsitsipas against Ugo Humbert, and Jakub Mensik facing Hubert Hurkacz.
FAQ
Who is the top seed at the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships?
Felix Auger-Aliassime is the top seed.
Is Jack Draper returning from injury?
Yes, Jack Draper is returning to ATP Tour action after a seven-month absence due to injury.
Who are some of the past champions competing in the tournament?
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Ugo Humbert, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Stan Wawrinka are all past champions competing this year.
Where can I view the full Dubai draw?
You can view the full draw at https://www.atptour.com/en/scores/current/dubai/495/draws.
What is significant about Stan Wawrinka’s participation?
This is Stan Wawrinka’s final season on the ATP Tour.
