Roger Federer's stunning victory in the final of the Australian Open has established him as a leading contender to claim the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships trophy for an incredible eighth time when play commences in just a few weeks’ time.
The Swiss superstar returned from a seven month injury break in spectacular style to climax a fortnight that included five-set triumphs over Kei Nishikori and 2016 Dubai winner Stan Wawrinka, as well as a straight-sets defeat of two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych. He then claimed victory over Rafael Nadal in a pulsating five-set final that kept everyone on the edge of their seats right up until the last ball as he fought back from a break down to clinch his 18th Grand Slam title.
"It's always been an important tournament because usually when I've played well in Dubai I've played well the rest of the year," he said. "I really do feel I have great crowd support. They really get excited. The Mexican wave is a treat, to be a part of that, standing ovation at the end of the matches, all those kind of things. I really do appreciate that, to see sell-out crowds in the first few days of the tournament.
"I think it's a very enthusiastic crowd, polite crowd, and it’s a dream playing in an atmosphere like that. It's nice seeing the fans coming to the stadium and having a great time. That's what it's about, you know."
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which takes place between 19 February and 4 March, is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free. Tickets for every day of the event including the finals are still available from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium and online through http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/en/tickets.