All-star cast set to sparkle at WTA and ATP tournaments next month

Dubai, Jan 11, 2009 (WAM) - A10 out of the top 10 women's players in the world will grace the court at the Dubai Tennis Stadium when the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships gets underway on February 15th, organisers said today.

They said at least six of the top 10 men's players will be in action for the ATP tournament at the same venue the following week.

This extraordinary line-up will include both men's and women's defending champions, Andy Roddick and Elena Demetieva, as well as crowd favourites Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and the ever-popular Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic.

"To have all of the top 10 women and six of the top 10 men confirmed for the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships 2009 is a remarkable and unprecedented achievement", said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.

Play at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, begins on Sunday, February 15th 2009 with the WTA Tour event and continues with the ATP tournament from Monday, February 23rd - 28th.