Nadal returns to Dubai Open after 15 years

The Spaniard has a 10-3 record at the tournament and won the title in 2006

Rafael Nadal practices at Rod Laver Arena in January 2023 Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic

January 9, 2023

World No 2 Rafael Nadal will travel to Dubai to compete at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships next month, marking the first time that the Spaniard will compete in the ATP 500 event since 2008.

The tournament runs from February 27 to March 4 and is held in the same week as ATP events in Acapulco, Mexico and Santiago, Chile.

Nadal won the Acapulco title last year, his fourth title at the event. The Spaniard has a 10-3 record in Dubai and won the title in 2006 when he defeated Roger Federer in the final.

“We are looking forward to another fortnight of incredible tennis, with an elite line-up of some of the world’s best talent,” Tournament Director Salah Tahlak said as per the tournament website. “To welcome Rafael Nadal back to Dubai after such a long time brings me great joy and I am sure fans will be as excited as I am to see Rafa competing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium once again. With the full players fields for both tournaments set to be confirmed in the coming weeks, we are sure to have another pair of unforgettable men’s and women’s tournaments with many of the best players in the world.”

Nadal top-seeded at the 2023 Australian Open

With world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz pulling out of the Australian Open, Nadal will be seeded No 1 at the first Grand Slam of the season, which kicks off next week.

The Spaniard, who will be gunning for his record-extending 23rd Grand Slam singles title over the next fortnight, began his season at the United Cup where he lost matches to Alex de Minaur and Cameron Norrie in the group stage.

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