Dubai: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set to return in 2026 with an exceptional WTA 1000 line-up, featuring all of the world's top 20 female players during the Women's Week from February 15 to 21.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 2026 tournament will showcase top-ranked stars such as World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, World No.2 Iga Swiatek, World No.3 Coco Gauff, and World No.4 Amanda Anisimova, among others. The line-up also includes Elena Rybakina (No.5), Jessica Pegula (No.6), Jasmine Paolini (No.7), 2025 champion Mirra Andreeva (No.8), Madison Keys (No.9), and Belinda Bencic (No.10).
Aryna Sabalenka leads the field, coming off a remarkable 2025 season highlighted by her US Open victory, marking her fourth Grand Slam title. Sabalenka has continued her strong form into 2026, winning the Brisbane International without dropping a set.
Iga Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, returns after an impressive 2025 season that included a Wimbledon title and several WTA 1000 finals appearances. Coco Gauff, fresh from her 2025 French Open win and a Masters 1000 victory in Cincinnati, also joins the ranks, having finished the year inside the top three for the first time.
Defending Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva made history in 2025 as the youngest WTA 1000 champion. The 18-year-old Russian aims to defend her title and further her rising career after entering the world's top 15.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chairman of the Organising Committee, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, 'We are delighted to welcome all of the top 20 women's players once again. The depth of talent committed for 2026 reflects the status of this event on the global tennis calendar.'
The line-up also features Elina Svitolina, a two-time Dubai champion, and Canada's Victoria Mboko, who has broken into the top 20 for the first time. Their participation strengthens the tournament's reputation as a competitive stop on the WTA calendar.
Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, commented, 'Women's tennis continues to set new standards for competitiveness and quality. With the top 20 players confirmed, spectators can expect compelling matches from the opening day.'
The 2026 Championships will be held back-to-back, with the women's WTA 1000 event from February 15 to 21, followed by the men's ATP 500 tournament from February 23 to 28.