You may be the kind of fan who won’t miss a single volley, and in that case we know you are already well taken care of by the two weeks of tennis starting at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 15. If, however, you’re looking for fun and games beyond the baseline, there’s plenty to do around the stadium once the losing player has thrown her/his racquet to the ground.
Meet the players
Cameras at the ready: Autograph sessions take place on February 15 and 16 at 11.45am; and February 23 at 1pm. Head to the Dubai Duty Free Shop in the Tennis Village.
Competitions
Ladies’ and Fan days
Don’t have tickets to the WTA or ATP finals? You might be in luck — if you dress right. On the Thursday during both the women’s and men’s weeks making a sartorial effort could bag you finals tickets. On February 19, it’s the annual Ladies’ Day at the stadium; put on your glad rags (like you weren’t already — this is Dubai, after all) and make sure you get your photo taken by the team at the Duty Free shop in Tennis Village at 6pm. One of the top female players in the world will be on hand to choose the best dressed on the day, who will be rewarded for their efforts with finals tickets. The top ten are featured in tabloid!. Similarly, on February 26, during men’s week, it’s Fantastic Fan Day. Show your support for your favourite players by dressing in national colours — needless to say, the Swiss red-and-white is extremely popular. The TV camera crew will identify contestants in the crowd prior to the 7pm match and the winners will be selected based on the loudest cheer from the crowd as their image goes on the big screen.
Catch and win
Ten tennis balls are thrown into the crowd every day at the start of the session; catch one and you can redeem it at the Dubai Duty Free stand for a prize. After the men’s and women’s finals, the winner will hit a signed ball into the crowd — that ball gets you a trip to Wimbledon for the pre-Wimbledon party sponsored by Dubai Duty Free.
#DDFSelfie
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week, take a photograph of yourself in the Centre Court Grandstand holding your ticket or wristband for that day’s play. Put it on Instagram, Twitter or Foursquare with #DDFSelfie to be in the running to win two finals tickets.
Check in Challenge
On the first three days of both weeks, check in on Instagram and Foursquare/Swarm; if you have a ticket you can win two finals tickets or autographed merchandise.
Win an Audi
DSF might be over but the raffles continue. Enter the Dubai Duty Free Tennis surprise draw for a chance to win an Audi A8 and Audi Q7. Buy tickets (Dh500, 1,000 tickets available) at the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise counter at the Tennis Stadium, in Departures and Arrivals in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, at the Irish Village Craft Shop and at the DDF Finest Surprise counter at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Guess the number of tennis balls in a car
One of the favourites every year, this one: Tennis balls are packed into an Audi A3. Correctly guess how many are in there (entry Dh10) and you’ll drive away with it.
Watch for free
If you’re not lucky enough to win tickets, you can still watch the games on the big screens around Tennis Village; entry is free to the public.
Eat and drink
The Century Village around the stadium has a wide range of food and beverage options, whether you are heading into the courts or enjoying the matches on the big screens. Check out Irish Village, Sushi, St Tropez and SoHo Grill.
