The 2025 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set to commence on February 24, drawing some of the biggest names in tennis to compete for the prestigious title. Among the headliners are former champions Stefanos Tsitsipas and Roberto Bautista Agut, along with fan favorite Karen Khachanov. The tournament offers players not only the chance for victory but also rankings points and prize money, making it particularly important at this early stage of the ATP season.
Tsitsipas, the fourth seed and finalist from 2019-20, is eager to reclaim his title this year. He will kick off his campaign against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego on Center Court. Tsitsipas, known for his powerful serves and aggressive playing style, aims to dominate this matchup. The Greek star has been one of the most consistent performers on the tour, and fans expect nothing less from him during this event.
Roberto Bautista Agut, who claimed victory at the Dubai tournament back in 2018, holds rich experience and numerous accolades throughout his career. The Spanish player will face Hungarian talent Fabian Marozsan, who is coming off promising performances this season. Their match on Court 1 is generating interest, especially with Bautista Agut hoping to erase the memory of a shaky start to the year where he has yet to find his rhythm. "I am focused on regaining my form and hope to perform at my best here," said Bautista Agut.
Another exciting clash features Karen Khachanov, who will square off against wild card Daniel Evans. Khachanov, known for his powerful baseline play, will be eager to make his mark. Despite his past struggles against Evans, he enters the match with renewed confidence and believes he can finally secure his first win against him. "Every match is different, and I am ready to show my best tennis," expressed Khachanov.
Fans can expect high-voltage matches starting from the first day, with thrilling doubles matches also lined up following singles action. The doubles draw features notable pairings, including the third seeds Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz along with fourth seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. These teams have built strong chemistry and will look to capitalize on each match they play.
The full order of play for Monday, February 24, includes notable matches at various times. The first singles match on Center Court will start at 2:00 PM local time with Alexei Popyrin versus Hady Habib. This will be followed at 4:00 PM by the highly anticipated Evans vs. Khachanov match, leading to Tsitsipas taking the stage at 6:30 PM against Sonego. On Court 1, Bautista Agut will begin his campaign against Marozsan at the same time, creating exciting overlap for tennis fans.
The excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable, as players prepare both physically and mentally for the challenges of the week. Analysts and fans alike are eagerly discussing possible outcomes based on the players' recent performance metrics and historical matchups. With Tsitsipas and Bautista Agut being former champions and consistently high-ranking players, their presence elevates the credibility and stakes of the tournament.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships promises not only captivating matchups but also the potential for upsets and thrilling moments typical of modern ATP tournaments. Every year, the tournament serves as both a platform for established stars and an opportunity for rising talents to make their mark. With the 2025 edition now underway, all eyes will be on Dubai as the roads to the final begin to take shape.