Rain or sun, Dubai Tennis Championships shine on

Dubai: Rain or sun, the Dubai Tennis Championships refuse to take a back seat. As the tournament enters its 25th year, organisers are not just keeping pace with global tennis but setting new benchmarks — bigger stadiums, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to constant evolution. Tournament director Salah Tahlak is clear: Dubai doesn’t just host world-class tennis; it redefines it.

With plans to expand the Aviation Club’s Tennis Stadium by 2027 — adding 2,500 seats — and the introduction of a brand-new Court One next year, the tournament is preparing for an even bigger future. Off the court, player facilities have been upgraded, while cutting-edge technology, including electronic line calling, is being introduced ahead of the ATP’s 2025 mandate. For Tahlak, these changes aren’t just enhancements; they’re a statement of intent.

“We don’t see it as a challenge, but an opportunity for improvement,” Tahlak said. “By 2027, we’re going to upgrade the stadium — it’s going to be bigger with 2,500 extra seats. By next year, we will have a new Court One.”

Court One plays a crucial role during the opening rounds, when top seeds and Grand Slam champions often compete on the side courts due to the packed 56-player draw. The upgrade will ease scheduling congestion while giving fans a better experience.

Beyond seating capacity, the tournament has also modernised its locker rooms. “The players would have noticed it,” Tahlak said confidently.

The Dubai WTA Championships, which began on Sunday, are celebrating their 25th anniversary in style. The field boasts world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Iga Swiatek, along with 26 of the top 30 players in the world.

Evening matches have been brought forward by 30 minutes to 6:30pm, while the biggest innovation this year is the introduction of electronic line calling. The ATP has mandated its use from 2025, but Dubai is ahead of the curve, implementing it early for both tournaments.

“Today, everything is AI, and it is vital for us to keep up with the pace of world tennis,” Tahlak said. “With ELC, we won’t have the problems that we had last year.” To ensure accuracy, the tournament will also have two sets of line judges on standby in case of a malfunction.

The tournament’s opening day saw light rain, but Tahlak remains unfazed. For him, Dubai’s strength lies in its ability to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities.

“In Dubai, you see something new every day — new buildings, new ideas. We don’t just repeat what we’ve done before; we aim to be different, whether in sport or creativity,” Tahlak said.

With world-class players, state-of-the-art technology, and a vision for the future, the Dubai Tennis Championships are not just keeping up — they’re leading the way. As the tournament continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: Dubai is committed to delivering a tennis spectacle like no other.