Dubai: Much of the hype at this year's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is centred around its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Dubai Duty Free — owners and organisers of the annual tournament — have worked out a string of promotions tied to the tournament's 20th anniversary with the highlight being their "3 Aces Will Take You to London Competition".
Entrants have to score "three aces" by merely answering three questions correctly on the entry form and drop it into one of the Dubai Duty Free counters at the Tennis Village to stand a chance of winning a trip for two to London.
The trip will include return flights, hotel accommodation, invitation to the Pre-Wimbledon party and watching the opening day's play at Wimbledon.
"Sinead [Al Sibai] and the team have put together something great this year to mark the 20 years," said tournament director Salah Tahlak. "Besides this grand promotion, we have our other promotions along with a few more, that will involve the entire tennis fraternity during the course of the two weeks here."
Prizes galore
There is the "Guess and Win" competition that gives fans the chance to win a brand new Audi A1 car by correctly guessing the number of tennis balls inside the car, while something new will be the "Catch and Win" competition which will have 20 tennis balls thrown into the crowd in-between matches and spectators who catch a ball stand to win instant prizes.
Then there is the FANtastic Fan Day, a new initiative where spectators will be encouraged to come dressed to support their favourite player during the men's competition on March 1, and the best dressed will be awarded prizes.
Before that, during the course of the women's week starting today, women are encouraged to come for a day out on the courts, with coaching sessions available throughout the day along with special lunch prices at The Irish Village.
In a "Dress to Impress" competition, the top-10 ladies will be chosen and their photographs will appear in Gulf News. The top doubles players will then select the winners who will receive tickets to the women's finals.
There will also be the regular side activities held each year during the two weeks of tennis at the Dubai Tennis Stadium. These include the "Kids Day", a Special Needs Clinic, the Tennis Emirates Days and autograph sessions with top players.
"A lot of emphasis is being laid on getting the city involved a little bit more in this year's championships," Tahlak said.
