Djokovic, Federer boost Dubai field

Dubai: Novak Djokovic will face a titanic battle to retain his crown at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, as seven players ranked in the world top ten confirmed they will vie for the title next month.

The world number one will face a formidable challenge from a field that includes four-time winner Roger Federer, talented Scot Andy Murray and Wimbledon semi-finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as Djokovic attempts to become the first player in the 20-year history of the Dubai tournament to win four consecutive titles.

Federer too will be seeking to make history, by becoming the first player to lift the trophy five times. The 16-time Grand Slam winner is keen to cement his place in tournament records with another victory in Dubai, saying: "Over the years it has become one of the most prestigious tournaments to win."

World-class action

Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman of organisers Dubai Duty Free said: "Once again we are thrilled to announce such an incredible line-up of stars coming to the tournament. This guarantees that, no matter which day or session you attend, you can be assured of seeing world-class tennis action in both the men's and women's tournaments."

Djokovic the dominant male player in 2011, enjoyed one of the best seasons of any player in the Open Era, as he swept to three Grand Slam titles and became the first to win five Masters Series events in one year.

Now he is looking forward to returning to Dubai and is ready to take on all comers. "Dubai is always a great tournament," he said. "A lot of the players have the same opinion as me. The site is great and I really look forward to coming there."

Other top contenders for the title include 2010 Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, American number one Mardy Fish and 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro, along with number nine-ranked Janko Tipsarevic.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The action starts on February 20 with the WTA Tour event, which includes eight of the world's top 10 women, and continues with the ATP tournament from February 27 to March 3.

Tickets: Give it your best shot

Tickets for the event are available from the box office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, which opens from 9am to 9pm daily. Grandstand tickets can also be bought online at www.timeouttickets.com.

For more information about tickets, prices and the tournament, visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com, or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.