Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships WTA 2026: Schedule, Entry List, Draw and Predictions

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is due to take place between 15-21 February with the WTA edition being first. It sees Mirra Andreeva as defending champion.

Andreeva beat Clara Tauson in the final 7-6(6), 6-1 last year and returns this year with a score to settle after a great start to the year but a poor Australian Open. This takes place the week after the Qatar Open which features Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova and Elena Rybakina as leading lights.

Aryna Sabalenka is likely to return here in what could be called the first big tournament after the Australian Open ahead of the run-in towards the so-called Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami.

(as of ticktocktennis.com)

The draw will be confirmed for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships likely the Friday before on February 13.

The schedule will likely be confirmed on February 15 before the February 16 start. But the tournament will follow the following schedule.

Singles final: Saturday, Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m.

Doubles final: Saturday, Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m.

Time zone: Gulf Standard Time (GMT +4, EST +9)

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees one of a few players emerging from the field.

I hate to pre-empt withdrawals but I don't see Aryna Sabalenka playing in this and she will likely return at the Sunshine Double.

But if she does, she will be up there. But I see it being one of a few players. Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina all have quality in the Middle East and all are playing Doha so will be match sharp and I see them as top picks.

While Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko as the two leading young guns to add to the party are very much a few to watch. Take Jovic's Australian Open run away, she was reaching semi-finals and finals on tour prior and won Guadalajara last year so is very adept to winning big titles.

*** Iga Swiatek

** Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina

* Aryna Sabalenka, Victoria Mboko, Iva Jovic

Lucas Michael, Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Aryna Sabalenka sealing the title.

The second WTA 1000 event of the year is already upon us with a plethora of talent ready to take centre stage.

No more prominent than the world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who will traverse to Dubai fit and replenished after Australian Open disappointment with a first title in this specific event. She is looking in pristine condition and will have that motivation to get back on track.

The top 10 will all be competing in the UAE, with the winner possibly coming from any of them. Elena Rybakina will be hotly tipped by many due to her incredible form in recent times. The Australian Open champion has not won a WTA 1000 title since 2023 and is looking to end this streak.

The likes of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff will look to get back to their best form, and I believe that we will see a very positive Mirra Andreeva with a lot of ranking points on the line due to her winning this tournament last year.

However, I cannot look past the world number one from getting back to her best form and winning a first title in Dubai.

*** Aryna Sabalenka

** Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva

* Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff