Rybakina, Gauff and past champions grace Arabian-themed evening ahead of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
DUBAI – 19 February 2026 – Tennis royalty traded baseline battles for the red carpet this week as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships hosted its annual WTA Players’ Party, a sparkling pre-tournament tradition that unites sport and glamour under the Gulf night sky.
Fresh from her Australian Open triumph, Elena Rybakina headlined the star-studded gathering alongside World No.4 Coco Gauff, as the world’s leading women’s tennis players paused their preparations for a night of celebration and camaraderie.
Set within an elegant garden backdrop, the Arabian-chic inspired evening transported guests into a world of curated entertainment, featuring live music and roaming performances that created what organisers described as a “vibrant yet intimate atmosphere” throughout the venue.
Champions’ Reunion
The guest list read like a roll call of Dubai royalty, with past champions Mirra Andreeva (2005), Jasmine Paolini (2024), and Elina Svitolina (2017, 2018) joining the current generation of stars. Rising teenage talent added a fresh dimension to the gathering, as players across generations connected in the relaxed setting.
Dressed to impress, the athletes posed for photographs, shared light-hearted moments, and mingled with representatives from Dubai Duty Free and tournament stakeholders. The evening underscored the strong sense of community that has come to define the women’s event in its Middle Eastern home.
More Than Tennis
The Players’ Party has evolved into a signature off-court fixture, demonstrating the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships’ ability to blend world-class competition with memorable lifestyle experiences. For players, it offered a rare opportunity to step away from match preparation and connect with fellow competitors and guests before the intensity of tournament play begins.
Tournament Details
The WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships runs from 15–21 February at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, featuring 16 of the world’s top 20 players and 35 of the world’s top 40. The women’s event will be followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from 23–28 February.
